PLANS to shut down Cardiff University’s nursing department have been paused while an alternative proposal is considered.
The university confirmed in an email to staff that a new plan would see fewer undergraduate places offered, but courses in adult, child and mental health nursing would remain available.
Earlier this year, the university revealed plans to cut 400 jobs and close several departments, including nursing. That figure has now been revised to 286 posts.
Professor Stephen Riley, pro vice-chancellor of the College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, described the development as “good news for the public, patients, and the future nursing workforce in Wales”.
The revised plan has emerged from discussions between university leadership, staff, students, unions, health organisations, and the Welsh Government. It proposes reducing undergraduate numbers but improving the overall quality of teaching and learning. Postgraduate courses and research would also remain part of the faculty’s focus.
Protests had been held earlier in the year, including outside the Senedd, with students and staff warning that shutting the school could impact the Welsh NHS’s ability to recruit nurses.
As part of the updated plan, the university confirmed that applications for voluntary redundancy within the School of Healthcare Sciences have now been paused. Ongoing talks with NHS Wales, Health Education and Improvement Wales, and the Welsh Government will determine the final outcome.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Larner said that 81 members of staff had already accepted voluntary redundancy offers, and with approved severance applications, the university was on track to make 114 full-time equivalent reductions so far.
She added that retaining nursing at the university would depend on the outcome of further discussions but expressed hope that an agreement could be reached.
Professor Riley also said the revised approach aims to boost student support and improve graduate outcomes for the Welsh NHS. He acknowledged the last few months had been deeply uncertain for staff and students but hoped the new direction would offer some reassurance.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Natasha Asghar MS, said: “It would be a national disgrace if any cuts to essential courses go ahead while the university pushes ahead with its plans for a Kazakhstan campus.
“Whilst this partial U-turn from Cardiff University is welcome, many staff and pupils will remain concerned that courses are still being cut and reduced.
“Cardiff University is the largest in Wales, yet with other institutions also facing financial challenges, I fear we may still see the loss of essential courses across the country. This would have devastating consequences for our economy, communities, and public services.”
