Sir Keith had visited Alison Kilduff at the University of Derby and Sir Keith had been impressed by, and wanted to explore further, the excellent partnership that Cygnet Hospital Derby has with the University of Derby. He was also interested in finding out more about the education opportunities that Cygnet offer to their staff, especially the HCA student Nurse sponsorship, Cygnet’s new preceptorship programme and the trainee nursing associate scheme that is now active within Cygnet.
Attending from the University of Derby were, Wendy Wesson, Head of School of Nursing and Professional Practice, Denise Baker, Head of School of Allied Health and Social Care, Alison Kilduff, Head of Mental Health Nursing, and Helen Clarke, Programme Leader BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing.
Cygnet were represented by Mark Varney, Hospital Manager at Derby, Angela Pereira, Preceptorship and University Partnership Lead, Kev Cawdron, Preceptorship Champion at Derby, Mandy Blanchard, Head of Learning and Development and Suzanne Smith, Apprenticeship Manager.
The meeting started with a presentation by Mark Varney and then Sir Keith and all involved met with Dan and Jim, two HCA nursing degree students sponsored by Cygnet. Jim and Dan are studying on both MSc and BSc mental nursing degrees. The visitors also met with Charlotte and Kennedi who were both recruited by Cygnet as graduate nurses from the University of Derby and have been supported in their first professional role by Cygnet’s excellent preceptorship programme. Kennedi has completed her preceptorship and Charlotte has been on her preceptorship for 3 months.
“I have been very impressed by what I have seen and heard today. It is excellent to see such investment and support on offer and this is indicative of an organisation that values and rewards it staff.”Sir Keith Pearson, Chair of Health Education England
After lunch the group were given a tour of Cygnet Hospital Derby where they were able to meet and chat with service users. The day was a great success and Sir Keith was very impressed with Cygnet and the training and education opportunities offered to their staff.