Health Sciences’ celebrates success of tomorrow’s health visitors and school nurses with Department of Health
Over 30 Health Sciences students, academics and practise partners celebrated the successful end of a year-long Specialist Community Public Health Nursing (SCPHN) programme today.
The event included student presentations and a special staff award. Attendees also welcomed Pauline Watts, Professional Officer for Health Visiting from the Department of Health, who gave a keynote speech on the development of SCPHN.
This is the first time ever that the University of Southampton has run the SCPHN programme for a second time in any academic year. This years' cohort included a mix of students opting for the school nurse and health visitor pathways.
Students Hayley Kerr and Monica Unsworth were both recognised as the highest achieving students of the SCPHN Postgraduate Diploma and Bachelor of Science degree respectively.
Commenting on her success Hayley said: "This past year has been incredibly difficult but equally incredibly rewarding and I cannot fault the programme and support I've received from the University.
"I jumped at the chance to study here and it's been a life-changing decision. I'd encourage anyone interested in community public health nursing to take up the challenge - you'll have a very exciting future at the end!"
A special award was presented to Sue Toward who was recognised as ‘most inspirational lecturer' nominated by the students. Sue was praised for her ‘passion and breadth of knowledge' for her subject in social policy.
Commenting on the celebrations Pauline Watts said: "Today has been a very inspiring and uplifting experience seeing so many passionate people stepping into practise.
"I have great pride in seeing the culmination of effort and work by everyone involved - from programme leads to support staff and staff in practise. There is a real palpable feeling here that everyone believes 100 per cent in what they are doing.
"If you want to shine, come to this University!"
Programme lead Dr Wendy Wigley said that her team and the Faculty are extremely proud of all 30 students celebrating today. "We recognise the programme challenges students but the changing health and social care landscape needs people that can manage and lead challenge and make a real difference to the public's health, particularly outcomes for children and their families."