News Release
Ulster Backs Nursing Recruitment Campaign
Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, with University of Ulster graduate James Crossan, Staff Nurse in Mental Health at Knockbreda, and Veronica Bailie, Queen's graduate, Learning Disability Staff Nurse, Forest Lodge
There is a recognised shortage of both mental health and learning disability nurses in Northern Ireland, and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety wishes to promote applications to these branches.
Speaking at the campaign launch this week, Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said: “Since taking up office I have focused my attention on modernising mental health and learning disability services. The Bamford Review has laid out recommendations which I fully accept, and I am committed to their full implementation.
“It is vital, therefore, that we ensure we have enough skilled nurses in Mental Health and Learning Disability working to deliver the care that individuals require.
“My hope is that this campaign will encourage people setting out on their careers, or those wanting to change careers, to consider Mental Health or Learning Disability nursing.
“A career in these branches means working with people among the most vulnerable in our society. It is a real challenge, and needs individuals with commitment, but the payback is the knowledge that you can make a difference to people and their families.”
The Minister added: “I am pleased that the campaign has the co-operation of all three Universities in Northern Ireland that offer nursing courses.”
Lending his support to the campaign, Professor Hugh McKenna, Dean of the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, and former Head of the School of Nursing, at the University of Ulster, said: “Mental ill health has a major impact on Northern Ireland society. It is estimated that one in four people will suffer from a mental illness at some times during their lives. In addition, 158,000 people or 9.3% of the population have a diagnosis of mental illness.
“The Bamford Review has set the strategic and operational agenda for tackling this problem. However, to implement its recommendations fully the numbers of mental health and learning disability nurses will have to increase. It takes three years to prepare such nurses for registration and so there is no short-term solution to the shortage.
“The University of Ulster offers a BSc (Honours) degree in mental health nursing. This is available via three flexible routes; the full time three year pre-registration course, the part time employment-based option aimed at healthcare assistants, and an advanced standing option, which is a shortened course for nurses who are already registered in other fields of the profession. The University also offers a number of multi-disciplinary modules and courses in learning disability nursing.
“Twenty academic staff in the School of Nursing are either registered mental health nurses or have learning disability qualifications, including four professors. Not only do these staff contribute to producing graduates that are fit for practice, fit for purpose and fit for award, many are undertaking research that is influencing policy and practice nationally and internationally.
“Feedback from our students shows that mental health nursing is a very worthwhile career choice. The ability to help people with mental health problems and provide them with positive meaning in their lives and emotional and psychological wellness is a great gift and one our students and staff cherish. The University of Ulster is looking forward to contributing more highly qualified mental health nurses to the province's workforce and continuing to expand the existing knowledge base on how best to care for and treat people with mental health problems.”
Notes to editor:The Bamford Review was chaired by the late Professor David Bamford, a former member of staff at the University of Ulster for many years.
For further information, please contact:
Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter
