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. You can read the full response here.

At a time when Wales has around 2,000 registered nurse vacancies in the NHS alone, where patients being treated in inappropriate, and sometimes unsafe areas is commonplace, ending nurse education at Cardiff University would worsen these challenges and threaten patient safety.

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.”