To address NHS nursing shortages in rural parts of Wales, Bangor University is working with Health Education Improvement Wales and Powys Teaching Health Board to provide new learning pathways into nursing for people living in Powys.
From March 2023, people living in Powys who want to join the nursing profession can follow a pre-registration nursing programme for adult and mental health nursing, allowing students to gain a nursing degree, while studying in their local community.
The new ‘Dispersed Learning’ programme offers a blended approach to learning through on-line learning and in-person sessions with the Bangor University academic team in localities across Powys using hubs such as the Powys Health and Care Academy in Bronllys.
The three-year full-time programme combines theory and practice placement learning. Placements will be provided by Powys Teaching Health Board across hospitals and community teams in Powys.
The Dispersed Learning Programme is funded by Health Education Improvement Wales for fees, bursary, and means-tested awards, see https://heiw.nhs.wales/education-and-training/undergraduate-education-for-health-professionals/nhs-bursary/
Dr Elizabeth Mason, Head of the School of Medical and Health Sciences at Bangor University said: “This new route for pre-registration nurse education offers a unique opportunity for those living in Powys to have a career in nursing. Bangor University is committed to working with HEIW, Powys Teaching Health Boards and local communities to improve access to higher education for nursing programmes, to support the development of the future workforce within the NHS in Powys.
“It is a great opportunity for Bangor University to be working with colleagues in Powys to support recruitment to nursing careers in and we look forward to welcoming new student nurses this spring!”
Katelyn Falvey, Head of Organisational Design and Workforce Transformation at Powys Teaching Health Board said: “We are really excited to be working with Bangor University on this new programme of learning. To be able to provide the people of Powys with the opportunity to build a nursing career without having to leave their home county is fantastic.
“We look forward to supporting our local people to train, work and live in Powys and this programme provides this opportunity, helping us to ‘grow our own’ nursing workforce for the future.”
Claire Roche, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Powys Teaching Health Board added: “I am so delighted we have an opportunity to work in partnership with Bangor University to broaden our offer to people who aspire to be a registered nurse.
“Having been in nursing and midwifery for 35 years, I can honestly say it is the most amazing and rewarding profession to be a part of and I look forward to meeting our new nursing students soon.”
The ‘Dispersed Learning’ programme has a March and September start. Find out more by visiting:
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