University of Greenwich teams up with Primary Care Trusts to launch new Foundation Degree for Primary Care Assistant Practitioners
The University of Greenwich has launched a new foundation degree, designed in collaboration with local Primary Care Trusts, to train people to take on the new Primary Care Assistant Practitioner position.
The Primary Care Assistant Practitioner will perform a wide variety of healthcare responsibilities, including day-to-day duties such as taking blood and changing dressings, as well as offering counselling and health and lifestyle advice to patients. By being able to provide a range of healthcare functions the newly trained practitioners will be able to develop relationships with their patients, which will be of particular benefit to individuals with long-term conditions requiring regular care.
The university has worked with Bromley Primary Care Trust, Greenwich Teaching Primary Care Trust and Bexley Care Trust to develop the programme. Consultation with the trusts has enabled the University of Greenwich to develop a programme that will meet local healthcare needs by providing students with a range of theoretical and practical knowledge.
The students who recently began the two-year, full-time programme will continue to work in the trusts while studying, receiving mentoring and support from their employers. Having successfully completed the course students will be able to transfer to the final year of a relevant undergraduate Honours degree in Health & Social Care.
Professor Liz Meerabeau, Head of the School of Health & Social Care at the University of Greenwich, said at the launch of the degree: “The university is excited about this unique programme, which forms part of our increasing focus on primary care. We have been working closely with the trusts for two years to develop the foundation degree, which will provide skilled practitioners to the trusts and be a gateway to excellent career opportunities for the students”
Hilary Shanahan, Director of Nursing for Greenwich Teaching Primary Care Trust, says: “We are excited to be part of huge change and revolution in the NHS. This sort of collaborative and integrative working will be vital for the NHS to meet the changing needs of society, and we are delighted to have been part of this through developing this new role.”
Karen Bodman, Nurse Lead Education and Development for Bexley Care Trust, spoke at the launch about the two-year process of collaboration leading to this week’s launch. Karen described the new course as an example of the “University of Greenwich moving forward with the NHS to develop a multidisciplinary modern workforce with transferable skills.”
For further information about courses with the University of Greenwich School of Health & Social Care, call 0800 005 006 or visit www.gre.ac.uk.
PHOTO: Students on the Primary Care Assistant Practitioner Foundation Degree and their mentors from local Primary Care Trusts.
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For further information and images please contact:
Kathryn Jones
Public Relations
University of Greenwich
020 8331 9420