Colleagues:
The
University of Wolverhampton has always been proud of the quality of its
occupational health nursing courses. Ours is one of the longest standing
courses in the country, and we were one of the first (if not the first) to
attain NMC approval in 2007 to
run SCPHN-OH courses. It gives me a sense of great
pride, when at study days and conferences, Wolverhampton alumni are doing
presentations, leading research, and generally, taking the
lead.
Over
the past year, I have felt increasingly concerned that SCPHN-OH courses were not
keeping up with the rapidly changing needs of work and society, in light of
demographic changes, evolving public health policy and new patterns of
work. After a discussion with students, employers and other stakeholders,
I decided that we would not take any new students, and instead develop something
radically different, which would be better suited to future needs. I am
fortunate in having a Dean who trusts me and supports me in my desire to do
the right thing now, rather than waiting until our NMC approval runs out in
2012.
We are
now going to consult with OH practitioners, tutors, managers and employers, and
we aim to develop a new programme to start September 2010.
Will it be NMC approved? I
don't know.
Will it lead to SCPHN
registration? I don't know.
Will it be multidisciplinary?
Probably, including physios, OTs, rehab specialists, and anyone else with an
interest in health and work.
Will it be innovative and
creative? Definitely.
I am
touched by the warm and supportive comments on the list, and am looking forward
to including the list in my consultation process. The University of
Wolverhampton has always been forward-looking and innovative in its programmes,
and what we'll come up with will continue the trend.
Thanks
again, to all who have contributed to the discussions so far
Bashyr
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