RCN Northern Ireland-Open University Strategic Alliance
Published: 14 April 2008
Northern Ireland launch of RCN-Open University Strategic Alliance
The Northern Ireland launch of the new Strategic Alliance between the RCN and the Open University was held on Friday 11 April in Parliament Buildings.
The event was jointly sponsored by Assembly Members Carmel Hanna MLA and Basil McCrea MLA, with Minister for Employment and Learning Sir Reg Empey MLA giving the concluding address. The audience comprised RCN Northern Ireland activists, representatives of professional education, health service leaders and Assembly Members.
RCN Northern Ireland Director Mary Hinds said: “This partnership will make a real difference to nurses and health care support workers across Northern Ireland who would sometimes be unable to access higher education courses to support their careers. The Strategic Alliance offers staff access to courses that are flexible, allowing them to develop their careers but at the same time fulfil their work and family commitments. This development will support nurses in an effective way which ultimately will benefit patient care.”