Deadline looming for UHI midwifery training course

Nurses working in the NHS in Highland and the Western Isles have until the end of this month to apply for a shortened midwifery programme, which will start in January 2020.

The postgraduate diploma, run by the University of the Highlands and Islands, will enable registered nurses to become fully qualified midwives in 20 months, helping to meet the needs of communities across the north of Scotland. The course has an emphasis on providing care in a remote and rural context.

Students learn through a combination of face-to-face classes at the Centre for Health Science, online study via the university’s virtual learning environment and placements in urban, remote and rural island practice areas.

Mary Burnside, head of midwifery for NHS Highland, said: “This is a unique and amazing opportunity for nurses living and working in NHS Highland to train close to home and secure a midwifery post on completion of the programme.

“The course has been designed and delivered by expert clinicians with a practice-led and researchbased curriculum.

“It lasts 20 months and will involve clinical practice placements provided by NHS Highland, NHS Western Isles and NHS Grampian.

“Feedback from the first cohort who are currently undertaking the course has been excellent and I look forward to ongoing work with these students and the next cohort.”

More information regarding the programme can be found on the University of Highlands and Islands webpage: uhi. ac.uk/en/

Mary Burnside