Cardiff University’s nursing department faced closure plans, but those have now been put on hold while an “alternative plan” is being considered. The university had originally announced proposals to cut 400 staff, including scrapping the nursing department, but has since revised the figure to 286 roles. This decision comes after discussions with staff, students, unions, health bodies, and the Welsh government.
In an email to staff, Prof Stephen Riley, the pro vice-chancellor at the College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, expressed that the new proposal is beneficial for the public, patients, and the future nursing workforce in Wales. The alternative plan suggests teaching smaller undergraduate nursing cohorts and reshaping degree programs to enhance the teaching and learning experience for students. Despite the changes, adult, child, and mental health nursing programs will remain available at the university.
The initial proposal to close the nursing school sparked protests from staff and students, as well as concerns from unions and politicians about the impact on the supply of nurses to the Welsh NHS. However, the university has decided to pause voluntary redundancy applications for the School of Healthcare Sciences. Dialogue with the NHS, Health Education and Improvement Wales, and the Welsh government regarding the proposal’s implications for the health workforce in Wales will continue.
Vice Chancellor Wendy Larner indicated that the university now plans to reduce staff numbers by 286 rather than the originally suggested 400. With voluntary redundancies already underway, the university is on track to make 114 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) reductions. Larner expressed hopefulness that discussions with the Welsh government and NHS bodies will lead to a positive outcome for the nursing programs at the university
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