USW launches new healthcare provision at stakeholder event

At a launch event on their Pontypridd campus, University of South Wales (USW) officially reinforced their reputation as a leading provider of healthcare education with the introduction of new healthcare degrees available from this September.

USW welcomed a broad range of healthcare and social care providers, service users, health board representatives, and practice and education partners, demonstrating the University's breadth of partnerships working across professions to deliver a first-class student experience.

Last year, USW won the multi-million pound contract from Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), to continue delivery of healthcare courses over the next ten years. 

Starting in September 2022, this will add three new courses to USW’s existing health and social care portfolio: Operating Department Practitioner, Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy.

The event provided an opportunity for key contacts to hear more about USW’s distinctive offer, progression opportunities, expanded provision, and development into a key multi-disciplinary healthcare provider that is focused on improving the health and wellbeing of the communities of Wales. 

Opening the event, via video recording, Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services, said: “The NHS is under increasing pressure, and I am grateful to our workforce who continue to adapt to this really challenging time. You, as educators, play a vital role in strengthening that workforce, providing the leadership and educational opportunities needed to ensure that the next generation of healthcare professionals are prepared to meet the growing demand for healthcare services.

“It is vital that our students learn to work in multi-professional, well-integrated services to understand the importance of individualised, person-centred care. These new programmes offer the opportunity to develop the workforces that we require for the future.”

Dr James Gravelle, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences and Education said: “As an institution rooted in the local community and focused on social justice, USW is proud of its work in supporting the delivery of the wellbeing goals. 

“We have delivered Nursing and Midwifery for three decades, and we are delighted to consolidate and develop our provision in these disciplines, and to add to them with new programmes. It is a further step in realising our ambition to be a major provider of health education in Wales.”

The demand for qualified professionals continues to grow. USW healthcare places are still available this September. More information available at: southwales.ac.uk/healthcare