29 November 2022
Islanders who wish to train as nurses, or midwives in the future in Jersey will undertake their
studies with a new university partner.
Following a competitive tendering process, the Higher Education Department based at Peter
Crill House in Health and Community Services is now working in partnership with Robert
Gordon University (RGU) in Scotland to provide contemporary health and social care higher
education for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.
The partnership will benefit both pre-registration nursing students and midwives (those
studying to be nurses and midwives) and post registration, which covers opportunities for
nurses, midwives and allied health professionals to study and develop themselves as
practitioners.
The partnership with RGU is in place until 2028.
HCS will work with RGU to offer a bespoke, high-quality curriculum that
will enable the growth of the workforce, ensuring excellence in higher education, including
research and other scholarly activities.
Students in Jersey will enjoy the RGU student experience through access
to a contemporary curriculum and benefiting from a virtual learning environment to support
the delivery of a range of modules and programmes on the island.
RGU is already the main provider of nursing, midwifery and paramedic practice education in
the northeast of Scotland. The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice has a
strong reputation for producing skilled and compassionate professionals across Grampian,
Highland, Orkney, Shetland, Tayside and the Western Isles and a successful track record of
transforming health and social care in urban, remote, and rural communities.
Dr Hazel McWhinnie, Head of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professional Education at
Health and Community Services said: “We are delighted to offer the students of the future
and those who wish to undertake further studies the opportunity to study a range of
contemporary curricula that meets the needs of modern health and social care. We want our
home-grown talent to benefit from the best on-island education coupled with the experience
of a great external partner.”
Jersey’s Chief Nurse, Rose Naylor, added: “The importance of continuous professional
education and training to the delivery of clinically effective, compassionate and safe
healthcare should not be underestimated. I am impressed by the work of the Robert Gordon
University to date, with the work they are doing in North-East Scotland and am really
confident that our partnership will grow and evolve to meet our needs whilst building on the
great work to date."
Minister for Health and Community Services, Deputy Karen Wilson, said: “Jersey’s home grown work force is of the utmost importance. I am delighted that, as a clinician myself, such
opportunities are open to islanders who want to study for a career which touches lives. I wish
our Higher Education Centre colleagues, all future students and our partner, the Robert
Gordon University, the very best of luck with this fantastic partnership.”
Professor Susan Dawkes, Dean of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice at RGU,
said: "We are delighted to be entering into this exciting partnership with Jersey to help shape
the Island's workforce for their evolving roles in contemporary health and social care
environments.
“RGU acknowledges the vital role that nursing, midwifery and health professions play in
patient care and public health and remains committed to consistently engaging and
transforming remote and rural communities.
“Our experience of nursing and midwifery delivery within island communities, combined with
high levels of student satisfaction and graduate employability, puts us on a strong footing to
provide quality education in Jersey.
“We look forward with enthusiasm to developing the partnership and supporting, through to
successful graduation, the nurses and midwives of the future."
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