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Deputy First Minister praises work of staff and students during University visit

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Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Cities Strategy, Nicola Sturgeon, visited the University of Stirling yesterday to hear more about research being carried out in the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health.

After listening to informative presentations on pioneering research being carried out by staff and students across all areas of health care at the University’s three campuses in Stirling, Highland and the Western Isles, Ms Sturgeon praised the work being done.

Student nurses also gave the Deputy First Minister an insight into life studying at the University.

Professor William Lauder, Head of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, said: “The University is delighted to welcome the Deputy First Minister to find out more about the work being done by staff and students from the School. Ms Sturgeon was very interested in the research being undertaken here at Stirling, which is world-class.

“When you look at the health sector on an international level, Scotland is punching well above its weight and Stirling is contributing to that. We are interdisciplinary in our approach and have a rich mix of specialities which helps us to enrich nursing and midwifery in Scotland.

“The work being carried out at our campuses in Stirling, Highland and the Western Isles is exemplary, and this was proved when the University had its practice learning recognised as outstanding in a review earlier this year.

"The consistency of high quality programme delivery across the three campuses was recognised as particularly impressive, with staff providing excellent support for students and their mentors.”

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, commented: “It was wonderful to see the work of this exceptional department – truly a world-class establishment and a credit to Scotland.

“The students and staff are fantastic and I was very impressed with their research. Nurses and midwives are essential for our NHS and I know that these young people will make a real, positive difference to our health service in the future.”

Second-year mental health student nurse, Fraser Ross, told Ms Sturgeon that students on the course “want to make a difference to the lives of people in Scotland”.

Mr Ross, who studies at the Highland campus, added: “Our course coordinators respond very well to feedback and there is a strong emphasis on evidence based research. The variety and quality of placements we get is excellent and they help us appreciate all aspects of health. In our placements we really feel like we are making a difference and that is a credit to those teaching us.”

The School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health at the University of Stirling is one of the largest Schools in the University with more than 100 members of teaching, research and administrative staff.

*The School had its practice learning recognised as outstanding in a review carried out on behalf of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) by Mott MacDonald earlier this year.

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