THE SHADOW deputy leader of the House of Lords has visited the University of Worcester to express concerns about changes to nurse education and funding.
The Rt Hon Lord Philip Hunt recently visited the university where he spoke about the Government’s removal of bursaries and its impact on attracting more mature students to the profession.
He praised the university’s forward thinking approach to easing the current and future crises in the health system, by introducing innovative new schemes to prepare practitioners to manage care differently in the future.
The President of the Royal Society for Public Health’s comments come after the independent Migration Advisory Committee published a report last month on the current nursing shortage affecting the UK.
Lord Hunt said: “The cuts to training places in 2010 have led to the big problems we have at the moment.
“We need to ensure we can provide enough clinical placements and the University of Worcester has shown in its approach that it would be able to.
“Worcester has developed a practical based approach to enhancing the quality of care and I’m really impressed by the programmes and facilities it has.”
Dr Jan Quallington, head of the university’s Institute of Health and Society said: “We were delighted to showcase our excellent simulation facilities to Lord Hunt.
“Using technology and innovative approaches to teaching and learning ensures future professionals will be equipped with the right skills and attributes to provide excellent care, both now and in the future.”
