Top bill of health for nursing at Teesside

The quality of nurse education and training at the University of Teesside is 'Excellent'.

That's the official view of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, which assessed nursing provision offered by the University's School of Health. The School scored a rating of 23 out of a maximum possible score of 24.

The result couldn't have come at a better time as the largest academic school of the University plans to move in to its new £8m home and the Secretary of Health and Darlington MP, Alan Milburn, has agreed to formally open the new building in October.

The teaching quality assessors awarded Teesside a maximum 4 out of 4 for Teaching and Learning, Student Progression and Achievement, Student Support and Guidance, Learning Resources, Quality Management & Evaluation, and 3 out of 4 for Curriculum Design, Content & Organisation.

Professor Graham Henderson, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Development) said: "This is the best outcome the University has achieved since the introduction of the new quality assessment process. It is a well deserved outcome and a tremendous tribute to the staff within the School of Health, other colleagues within the University and our partners in the community who contribute to the support and welfare of our students."

Dr Mike Holmes, Director of the School of Health, said: "The 'excellent' grading for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Sciences positions Teesside as one of the leading providers of nurse education and training nationally.

"This quality assessment represents the culmination of four years of sustained effort by staff within the School and has been achieved while pursuing an ambitious programme of development and diversification which has transformed our portfolio.

"To sustain quality during a period of such growth is an outstanding achievement and a tribute to a team effort involving School, University and health service colleagues. The assessment gives us a mandate to continue to lead innovative developments in education and training for health care professionals."

The School of Health is the largest academic school of the University, with nearly 4,000 students. It is on schedule to move into a purpose-built £8m new home, called the Centuria Building this summer.

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