Published on 17 November 2020
Media focus on footballer Marcus Rashford’s fight to protect some of the country’s most vulnerable children has put the health of our young people under the microscope.
Now, the University of Sunderland is set to launch a new programme to help train nurses to care for many of those vulnerable youngsters who find themselves in hospital.
The Children's and Young People's Nursing Practice course aims to add a new generation of nursing staff to those already looking after our young people.
Mark Telford, Programme Leader, said: “The wellbeing and health of our children is currently in the media spotlight.
“While it may be that children are at much lower risk of suffering serious issues due to Covid-19, the effects are still being felt.
“Many of the children needing hospital care come from families which have been affected by poverty due to the pandemic. The need is there and we believe this programme will help meet that need.”
The Government this month announced plans to spend more than £400m to support poor children and their families in England, following a campaign by footballer Rashford which received huge public support.
The new University programme, which launches in April 2021, offers state-of-the-art training facilities, including a specially constructed children’s hospital ward, and a team of skilled academics who will ensure students develop confidence and competence in the care of children.
Mark said: “We work closely with local health and social care providers to organise placements which allow our students to put theory into practice. Clinical placements will make up 50% of their time on this course.”
The Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle is just one of a number of hospitals offering these placements to students.
Once the three-year programme is completed, those graduating will be able to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a Registered Nurse (Children).
Learn more about the new programme and register your interest here.
An online Nursing and Paramedic Open Evening is being held on Wednesday 18 November where you will be able to find out everything you need to know about studying from April 2021 and beyond. Find out more, here.
A video of nursing students at the University is available for media to use on their websites and can be taken from here.