Associate Practitioner programme

Sue Hannigan BSC MSc RN RM Frame Work Lead for Level 4 & 5 provision says:

Professor Roger Watson opened the day with a keynote speech at the launch of the proposed Associate Practitioner programme which took place on 4 March 2013 at the University of Hull. This event was hosted by the Faculty of Health and Social Care. Roger discussed the importance of fundamental care and the need for NHS leaders to consider this new programme which would create a non-registered practitioner who would have both an academic  and practical qualification in care giving. He discussed the good reputation of the NHS in relation to the countries he has connections with in his capacity as visiting professor.  He mentioned the significance of the Francis report and the need for health care practitioners to be smarter and adaptable to the needs of patients within the NHS family. His speech was well evaluated by the ten members of the faculty who were present and the 60 representatives from practice which included operational managers from mental health, learning disability teams, acute nursing, community nursing, operating department practitioner’s, child health and social care services. There were also presentations from Dave King lead in Mental Health and Mike Kitching Community Practice Teacher who had both acted as Practice Supporters for the previous Foundation Degree in Community Health.  These presenters gave an overview of their experiences in supporting students in becoming Associate Practitioners within their specialist teams.  Presentations from previous students  ensued they gave an account of their roles as associate practitioners these presentations were well received by the audience and led to group discussion on the development and value of Associate Practitioners in the workplace , allowing us at the Faculty to take the next step on validating of the programme.