Don’t Scrap top-ranked nursing degree, RCN urges Cardiff University
RCN Wales has formally responded to Cardiff University’s internal consultation on the proposed closure of its School of Nursing, expressing deep concern over the impact. The College is very disappointed and strongly opposes the proposals, which were announced without prior consultation, warning that it poses serious risks to nurse academics, student members, patients, and the public.
A petition for the Senedd to enable the university to keep its nursing courses has gathered over 7,300 signatures from people in every constituency in Wales. At a time when Wales has around 2,000 registered nurse vacancies in the NHS alone -with corridor care—where patients are treated in inappropriate, and sometimes unsafe areas —becoming increasingly common, ending nurse education at Cardiff University would worsen these challenges and threaten patient safety.
The proposals would also harm Cardiff’s reputation as one of the best places to study nursing. Cardiff University has delivered nurse education since 1972, earning a reputation as a leading institution for nursing research and teaching. As a Russell Group university ranked 1st in Wales, 5th in the UK, and 51st globally for nursing, its contribution is vital for developing Wales's health care workforce.
Helen Whyley, Executive Director of RCN Wales, said:
“This proposal is profoundly alarming. Either Cardiff University’s leadership is unaware of its proud legacy in nurse education and that its continued investment is crucial for the future of health care in Wales, or it considers this may be a price worth paying.
“How Cardiff University can claim that its nursing programmes are unsustainable when they are funded by Welsh government is baffling. Cardiff University should immediately withdraw these proposals, commit to no compulsory redundancies and instead collaborate with key stakeholders, including the RCN, as the body representing the nursing profession -to find a solution that protects nursing students, academic staff, and patients.”
“ We remain committed to working with Cardiff University, to secure the future of nurse education in Wales.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor
The Royal College of Nursing’s response to the consultation can be found HERE
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the including around 30,500 members in Wales. The RCN promotes the interests of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape health care policy.
For more information, contact the RCN Wales communications and media team on 02920 680 769 or mediawales@rcn.org.uk
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