Student nurses in Tyneside are gaining more experience in GP practices through a pioneering project described as "vital for the future generation" and key to the NHS shift of care into communities.
Partnership aims to boost primary care exposure
The project, a partnership between Northumbria University and Newcastle GP Services (NGPS), offers student nurses greater opportunities to work in GP surgeries. Running for several years, it aims to provide "meaningful, early exposure" to general practice, encouraging nurses to pursue careers in this setting.
Michelle Henderson, senior nurse for professional leadership at NHS England in the North East and Yorkshire, said this has "never been more important." She stated: "Giving student nurses opportunities to experience placements in primary care is vital for our future generation of nurses to have exposure not only to the fantastic career opportunities available is such settings but also develop skills and knowledge that are transferable across health and care. As the 10 year Health Plan focuses on the shift from hospital to community. There has never been a more important time for us to focus on how we grow our general practice nurses of the future in our region to support the ambitions of care closer to home within our communities and neighbourhoods."
Celebration event highlights success
A celebration event spotlighted the project's success. James Wade, assistant professor of nursing at Northumbria University, said: "We're incredibly proud of the achievements celebrated today, and of everything our students have gained from this partnership with Newcastle GP Services. Giving nursing students meaningful, early exposure to general practice - whether through hands-on placements or our virtual placement programme - is helping to shape a workforce that truly understands the value of primary care. The fact that 98 per cent of students on the virtual programme would recommend it to others speaks volumes about the quality of this offer, and about the innovative thinking behind it. This partnership shows what's possible when universities and healthcare partners work together with a shared ambition, and we're excited to keep building on it to support the future of primary care nursing."
Joanna Vintis, lead nurse and head of workforce development at NGPS, added: "General practice nursing offers an incredibly varied and rewarding career, but it is still an area many student nurses have limited opportunity to experience during their training. Our partnership with Northumbria University is changing that by giving students meaningful insight into the vital role primary care plays in supporting patients and communities. Seeing so many students embrace these placements, and hearing such positive feedback, has been fantastic. This celebration recognises not only their achievements but also the commitment of the practices, educators and partners who are helping to inspire the next generation of nurses."
