The Principals of Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Glasgow have initiated the evaluation of a new joint School of Nursing to develop new and innovative ways of delivering nurse education and research in Nursing and Midwifery in Glasgow.

A 'Nursing School of Glasgow', jointly managed and operated by the two institutions, would strengthen nursing education and research in the City and facilitate inter-professional activities across all of the health sciences. There would be a single door admission process to programmes offered by each University and rationalisation of academic delivery and administration. It is also anticipated that a new foundation programme, which would widen access to medicine and biomedical sciences, would be based within any new school.

Dr Ian Johnston, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, said: - "The establishment of a joint nursing school in Glasgow will provide a unique and exciting opportunity to advance the provision of nurse education and research not only in Glasgow but throughout Scotland. The new School would work to develop shared learning with the Medical School at the University of Glasgow and Caledonian's School of Health and Social Care."

A centre of excellence in nurse education and research will build on the respective strengths of both Universities and at the same time attract high quality staff. It is anticipated that the new School will enhance working relationships and liaison with the NHS, National Health Service Education, the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) and Greater Glasgow Health Board.

A joint working party is due to report the outcome of a feasibility study into the project by July 2003, with the objective of delivering the first joint programmes in September 2004. The working party will consult widely across both Universities and with partner organisations and stakeholders.

Professor Sir Graeme Davies, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, continued: -

"This shared approach to nurse education offers the opportunity to become the leading provider of nurses in Scotland, at a crucial time for the NHS. The new School would eliminate unnecessary duplication in teaching provision and research as well as strengthening research focus and increasing the possibilities for accessing new sources of funding."

Initially, both institutions would continue to award their own degrees but would rapidly move to rationalise the provision at undergraduate and post graduate levels to confer joint degrees and in the process remove duplication in administration.

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

For further information contact: -

Judith Hodgson, Press Officer, University of Glasgow ? telephone 0141 330 3535

David Hodgson, Press Officer, Glasgow Caledonian University ? telephone 0141 331 8679

First published: 10 April 2003