Last week The Orkney News reported on the courses for studying nursing in a collaboration between NHS Highland, NHS Western Isles and the University of the Highlands and Islands.

UHI runs  BSc nursing programmes in Inverness and Stornoway  with local health boards offering a range of career paths to choose from.  Opportunities to Study Nursing with UHI

A pilot scheme has also been launched in the Highlands and Islands to fast track nurses who wish to become fully qualified midwives. It can be achieved  in just 20 months with funding of  £500,000.

It is open to locally registered adult nurses, and those from further afield who wish to study at the University of Highlands and Islands and then work in the region. It is also  being delivered in conjunction with NHS Highland and NHS Western Isles. The courses take place in Inverness.

The fast track midwifery programme is a full time course and will commence in January 2019 and is subject to Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) approval.

• You must be a registered Adult Nurse, live on NMC Register. Revalidation requirements for the current triennial period require to be met prior to commencing the Programme
• You must hold a first degree
• All successful applicants are subject to a Disclosure Scotland (PVG) check and must be passed fit by Occupational Health

It has 20 places.

“The Scottish Government will fund tuition fees for all students and provide bursary support to those currently not in employment, around £6,500 per student. The  government will co-fund with the health boards the salary costs of existing employees to enable them to undertake the programme.“

Mary Burnside head of midwifery for NHS Highland said:

“NHS Highland welcomes the support of the Scottish Government to this exciting new initiative which will open up career options for nurses who are committed to working and living in Highland area.

“NHS Highland values the collaborative working with the University of the Highlands and Islands which is strengthening access to career opportunities for nurses and midwives at a local level.”

Chris Anne Campbell, Nurse Director, NHS Western Isles said:

“ This is an important development to sustain and enhance midwifery care in our island community and we are grateful to UHI and the Scottish Government for making this possible.”