A CELEBRATION of the first two years of nursing education at Aberystwyth University was held at the Royal Welsh Showground on Tuesday, July 22.
The first cohort of nursing students began their studies at Aberystwyth University in early September 2022.
The University has created a suite of high-quality clinical practice rooms within its new Healthcare Education Centre, which is located opposite Bronglais Hospital in the town. The £1.7 million development was supported by a £ 500,000 grant from the Welsh Government.
Nursing education at Aberystwyth University has been developed with the support of several partners, including Hywel Dda, Betsi Cadwaladr and Powys local health boards, as well as service users and carers.
Health Education and Improvement Wales awarded Aberystwyth University a Welsh Government-funded contract to educate adult and mental health nurses.
The degree courses offer students who started their studies this year the opportunity to study up to half of their course in Welsh.
Health Secretary Eluned Morgan MS and Dr Chris Jones, Chair of Health and Education Improvement Wales, were among the speakers at the celebration event at the Showground.
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Social Care and Welsh Language, Eluned Morgan, said: “Ensuring high-quality healthcare education is accessible in communities across Wales is vital. I am delighted to celebrate two years of nursing education at Aberystwyth and hear about some of the first nursing students’ experiences.
“I hope to see all graduates join our talented NHS workforce as registered nurses.
“We will continue to work with Welsh universities, NHS Wales and with primary and community care to secure the workforce which meets the healthcare Wales needs now and in the future.”
Aberystwyth University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jon Timmis added: “I would like to congratulate all the staff and students who have worked so hard to make the first two years such a success. It is a new provision that is widening access for many and is tailored to the needs of mid and west Wales in particular.
“It is already proving its value, and it is going to boost recruiting and retaining staff in the health service, both locally and regionally. Offering much of the training in Welsh will also benefit the language provision in our health service.
“Over the years ahead, and working with partners, we are keen to make an increasing contribution to meeting the needs of our NHS. The Healthcare Education Centre is an important resource in that effort. We are laying the foundations for the growth of healthcare education here in Aberystwyth into the future.”
Second-year student Annie Evans said: “Coming from a close-knit rural community, the opportunity to study in my hometown is important to me. This course has enabled me to stay close to family and friends while I study.
“Studying in an area where I hope to pursue my career in the future is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to have local learning placements that will benefit me in the future.”
Beth Elliot, who is also in her second year on the course, added: ”Having a nursing degree in Aberystwyth has enabled me to train to become a nurse. Prior to this, I would have had to do a lot of travelling, which would have made it very difficult for me as I have a family to care for.”
