NEIL Gray, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, has visited Robert Gordon University to see how the university is supporting the health and social care providers by educating nurses, midwives and allied healthcare professionals.
As the main provider of nursing, midwifery and paramedic education in the North East of Scotland, the Cabinet Secretary saw how the university is educating the healthcare workforce of the future through simulation and through its close partnership between NHS Grampian and other sector partners.
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During the visit on Wednesday 15 May, the Cabinet Secretary watched an interprofessional learning session where students and academics from the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice and School of Health Sciences, and supported by the Scottish Ambulance Service, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, dealt with a simulated gas explosion on campus.
The simulated event took place across RGU’s Garthdee campus and started with a gas explosion in a flat in RGU’s Round Tower, that resulted in a number of ‘casualties’ in and around the site which were initially managed by student paramedics using triage and emergency care skills.
The ‘patients’ were then taken to the simulated emergency department set up in RGU’s Clinical Skills Centre where a mixture of trainee nurses, midwives, paramedics, worked together to treat and prioritise ‘patients’ within the simulated hospital.
With an accelerated timeline, the patients had an assessment of their mental health and were triaged for x-rays, input from physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
During the event, the Cabinet Secretary met students and staff, including Professor Susan Dawkes, Dean for the School of Nursing, Midwifery & Paramedic Practice, Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice Chancellor for RGU and Professor Lynn Kilbride, Vice Principal for Academic Development and Student Experience at RGU.
Professor Susan Dawkes, Dean for the School of Nursing, Midwifery & Paramedic Practice said: “We are delighted to have welcomed the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray, to RGU and for him to have seen first-hand how the university is delivering innovative education to nurses, midwives and allied healthcare professionals to ensure they are equipped to work in a contemporary healthcare environment after graduation.
“The simulated major incident event was a huge success and gave our students experience of a real-life situation in a realistic and safe environment. By using volunteer patients and a range of facilities across our campus, including our Clinical Skills Lab, students greatly enhanced their skills and learning, and were able to practice their responses and actions when faced with an emergency situation which has greatly prepared them for their future careers ahead.
“I’d also like to thank NHS Grampian, Police Scotland North East and the Scottish Ambulance Service for their ongoing support and collaboration which made the simulated incident event possible.”
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray, said: “Nursing and midwifery professions offer diverse and rewarding careers in NHS Scotland. The Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce, which I chair, brings together employers and employee representatives including RCN and RCM, and we all share the desire of encouraging more people to enter the nursing and midwifery professions. I would therefore encourage young people or career changers to consider studying for a role which sits right at the beating heart of our health service by taking a look at the undergraduate courses available at universities across Scotland, including RGU.
“As part of our student support package which remains the best in the UK, eligible paramedic, nursing and midwifery students can expect to receive a £10,000 annual, non-means tested bursary as well as payment of their placement expenses, disclosure checks and uniforms.
“As I experienced during my visit, RGU offer a truly hands-on approach to learning, where nursing and midwifery students can apply their academic knowledge to stimulating real-life situations. It’s been great to see how passionate the students here are about their future careers and we will continue to support all healthcare professionals as part of our mission to build a sustainable, respected and empowered workforce for the future.”
Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice Chancellor for RGU said: “RGU is the main provider of nursing, midwifery and paramedic practice and allied healthcare education in the North East of Scotland and we pride ourselves on making a valuable contribution to the health of our society. I enjoyed welcoming Neil Gray, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, and to discussing how RGU is supporting the development of highly skilled and professional graduates that can support the NHS and wider healthcare sector.”
Emily Brunton-Laing from Aberdeen is a third-year student studying a BSc in Paramedic Practice. Reflecting on the day, Emily said: “I had a great time at the simulated event. Although it was stressful at times, it helped me develop the skills I will need to work in a real-life major incident. Working with professionals from the police and Scottish Ambulance Service was a great experience, and the event has significantly supported my learning.”
Gemmery Diamanti, from Italy but based in Aberdeen, is a third-year student studying a BSc in Adult Nursing, said: “The major incident event was very beneficial as a learning opportunity and meeting the Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery and Social Gray Neil Gray was a positive and interesting experience. I feel I have benefited from this event and greatly enhanced my clinical competences and knowledge which will be useful in my future career.”
RGU is the main provider of nursing, midwifery and paramedic education in the North East of Scotland and the simulated major incident is an important part of its education to support highly trained professionals.
Learn more about the sector and opportunities to study at RGU visit Celebration of Nursing.
