Helen Whyley, RCN Wales Executive Director, responds to Cardiff University’s proposal to close its nursing school.

Helen Whyley said:

“I am very concerned about Cardiff University’s proposal to close its School of Nursing. This proposal comes at a time when Wales is facing a severe nursing shortage, with thousands of vacancies placing immense pressure on an already overstretched workforce.

“Although the university has assured me that it is committed to honour places on this year’s nursing programmes, the proposed closure of such a prestigious institution programme will have a significant impact on the future of nursing in Wales. Its School of Nursing has a long-standing reputation for excellence, producing highly skilled, compassionate nurses who have gone on to serve communities locally and across Wales.

“This decision has the potential to threaten the pipeline of registered nurses into the largest health board in Wales and undermines efforts to address the critical staffing crisis in the NHS and social care. In addition, there is a significant impact on nurse lecturers and academics, both in terms of potential redundancies but also the infrastructure needed to educate significant numbers of students. The closure of these programmes would be a huge disappointment for the profession, local communities and Wales. RCN Wales will be responding to the consultation".

ENDS

Notes to Editors

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