University News Last updated 08 December 2023
The Minister for Health and Secondary Care has praised the “valuable” role Birmingham City University (BCU) plays in training the next generation of healthcare professionals.
On the day the Government announced it had delivered on its promise to provide 50,000 extra nurses in England as part of its NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, Andrew Stephenson MP met with staff and students from BCU’s College of Nursing and Midwifery and College of Health and Care Professions.
“It was great to meet staff and students at Birmingham City University and learn more about the valuable work they are doing to support the workforce through training and retention,” said the Minister, who was appointed to his post in November.
“The University plays an important role in training and developing the next generation of healthcare professionals to provide world-class care to all patients, supporting our Long Term Workforce Plan to grow, train and retain a workforce fit for the future.”
As one of the leading providers of healthcare training in the United Kingdom, BCU will be at the heart of the Government’s plans to reform clinical practice and almost double the number of adult nurse training places by 2031.
As well as meeting staff and students, the Minister was given a tour of BCU’s state-of-the-art training facilities, including the Professor Carol Doyle Simulation Suite, Midlands Imaging Training Academy and Midlands Endoscopy Training Academy.
BCU works in partnership with 190 placement providers and collaborates with local NHS Trusts and NHS England to deliver training to healthcare staff within the region and beyond.
In particular, the University provides training for nurses, nursing associates, midwives, maternity support workers, paramedics, speech and language therapists, radiographers, physiotherapists, ODPs, rehabilitation practitioners, dieticians and other allied health professionals.
BCU is also home to the Defence School of Healthcare Education, which provides tailored training for military personnel in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
Maj Dave Burton, the Officer Commanding in the Department of Healthcare Education, said: “I am excited to build on the special relationship with BCU. Continued collaboration, innovation and sharing best practice is key to ensuring future medical support to defence.”