RCN In-Flight Nursing Course ceases this year
It is sad news that South Bank University has decided to close the RCN In-Flight Nursing course, run successfully for many years by Siva Murugiah, the Course Director.
Designed for experienced nurses in the repatriation of acutely ill patients, it was unique in that it developed with participation of service providers, practicing nurses and the RCN In-Flight Nursing Forum. The course was jointly validated by the Faculty of Health and the RCN. Its established international reputation attracted students from as far away as Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong as well as more home-grown flight nurses
In more recent years, the course expanded and was recognised as the kitemark for in-flight nursing, providing 30 points at level three. It included both theory based classroom work as well as the practical activity days which allowed students to familiarise themselves with different types of aircraft and equipment, using major international airports.
This loss is obviously a great blow to many flight nurses and the IFNA. As an interim arrangement, Siva Murugiah has arranged for nurses interested in aeromedical training to contact the CCAT organisation website (www.ccat-training.org.uk) who run similar training for nurses, doctors and paramedics.
The future of RCN education will be discussed at the next IFNA meeting.