The Academy of Nursing has been set up collaboratively by the University of Exeter and local NHS organisations.
Launching on the 31 May, the academy is said to ‘combine academic rigour with NHS expertise’ by promoting research and making continuing professional development (CPD) more accessible.
‘Nurses are under intense pressure. Alongside the fundamental duties of caring, they now need to take on increasingly technical and complex procedures. Research shows that the higher the standard of nurse education, the lower inpatient death rates,’ said David Richards, head of the new academy.
‘At Exeter, we will foster nurses who will be pioneers and improve standards in the South West and worldwide.’
The academy will also support existing nurses, ensuring they have access to the latest science through seminars, mentoring programmes and conferences.
‘It is a statement of fact that there is no health without mental health – and nursing is a pivotal profession in the work we do to support people with mental health and learning disability needs,’ said Paul Keedwell, director of nursing and practice at Devon Partnership NHS Trust – who are taking part in the initiative.
‘Our nurses are frequently commended for their compassion and dedication but the Academy will help us to ensure that we have great leaders who inspire confidence in their teams and lead by example.’
The academy has been made in collaboration with several other health services, including the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.
‘We are committed to providing continual development opportunities for our nursing staff and the Academy of Nursing will enable our staff to be at the forefront of research, clinical practice and health policy leadership,’ said Jane Viner, chief nurse at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.
‘The Academy will be working alongside us, as well as other local NHS organisations, to build education and research excellence in the region and nursing staff who join the Academy will be empowered to find, use and produce the research evidence that ensures patients get the best care possible.’