RCN East Midlands Regional Director Paul Morris says: “The withdrawal of these programmes comes with significant and long-lasting consequences, both to the Midlands and to the safe and effective staffing of our local organisations. Decisions like these ultimately could mean fewer children’s nurses and fewer mental health nurses for the people of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. That is not only a tragedy but deeply damaging to local health needs.

“Nottingham has a proud history of leading the way in nursing education, and the loss of these programmes sends a worrying signal at a time when NHS England’s 10-Year Workforce Plan sets a clear expectation to grow the nursing workforce.

“The University of Nottingham has strong, high-quality students and application numbers remain strong, attracting a high number of applications from a wide range of students and a higher proportion of students who have previously studied at A-Level compared to others in the UK.

“Local NHS organisations have expressed real concern about the potential impact the loss of these courses could have on the nursing workforce in the region, and we have already been contacted by a number of RCN members, both from the student cohort and working within the University itself, asking what this decision means for them. We are working hard to get answers to their questions and would advise anyone needing support or guidance not to hesitate in contacting RCN East Midlands via email at East.Midlands@rcn.org.uk.

“In the meantime, we would urge the university to reconsider its decision and work with local partners, national bodies and NHS leaders to safeguard the future of specialist nursing education in Nottingham.”