Professional health care training and research will be significantly enhanced by a decision by The University of Queensland to establish a School of Nursing at the Ipswich campus in 2005.
The University’s Senate last week (October 8) supported a recommendation from the Academic Board for a School to be founded within the Faculty of Health Sciences from January 1 next year.
The move will see an additional 100 undergraduate student nursing places offered for 2005.
The students will join the 60 already enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing program launched in partnership with Queensland Health at the Ipswich campus at the start of this year.
Pro-Vice Chancellor of UQ Ipswich Professor Alan Rix said the decision was a significant milestone in the continuing growth of the campus.
“Founding the School of Nursing at the Ipswich campus is yet another example of the University’s commitment to expanding the campus and making it a centre of new academic activity,” Professor Rix said.
“The location of an increasing number of nursing staff and students at Ipswich will encourage greater partnerships with health services in the region.”
“I’ve made a commitment to enhance research activity on this campus and the location of the School of Nursing here will serve to provide another exciting avenue for postgraduate study and research.”
Professor Peter Brooks, the Executive Dean of the University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, said the decision recognised both the overwhelming demand for nursing places, and the success of the undergraduate program.
He said the School would in future seek to offer postgraduate coursework programs and to enroll research higher degree students.
Professor Brooks said the School would undertake academic and research programs and community partnerships to contribute to the health and well being of the community.
“In particular, the School will focus on the development of innovative teaching and learning, and mutually-beneficial partnerships with the health professions and the wider community,” he said.
“It will also develop close links with other Schools within the Faculty of Health Sciences and across the University.
“The research agenda will see the School seeking involvement in large-scale, collaborative, multi-disciplinary and problem-solving projects.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay, AC, said the establishment of the new School was a landmark event for the University and the Ipswich campus.
“The University has already received widespread praise for the style, philosophy and quality of this innovative new nursing program. The new School of Nursing is important for UQ and the Ipswich Campus," Professor Hay said.
Media: For more information, contact Brad Turner at UQ Communications on (07) 3365 2659.
