Press release

Consort Scholarship with QMU sets direction for improved career path

The learning and career paths of three members of NHS Lothian have been given a major boost with the help of a Consort Education Scholarship.

The staff, who work in various healthcare roles at the Royal Infirmary, have been awarded a prestigious Consort Scholarship, enabling them to progress their learning at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

The scholarships, which have been awarded to an assistant audiologist, senior manager and staff nurse, will fund the course fees for each of the students.

Melissa Howieson, an assistant audiologist based a Lauriston, noticed the practical application of what she was learning at Queen Margaret University, almost right away.

She said:”The Scholarship has allowed me to study for the Diploma in Higher Education Hearing Audiology within QMU’s highly regarded Speech and Hearing Sciences. After only a few classes I felt that I was able to feed much of what I was learning on the course back into my practical work.”

Melissa heard about the Consort Scholarship from a colleague in her department who was aware of it. She jumped at the opportunity to progress her learning within the university as she felt it would have a significant impact on her role within the NHS and her career progression. She said: “I was really keen to further my training. The Diploma will not only allow me to develop within my department, but will help me play a significant part in enhancing the service for hard of hearing patients.”

Senior Manager Partner Representative, Norma Black, is involved in supporting the Agenda for Change process and represents partnership on a number of high-level strategic groups. Norma’s role also involves building trust and shared responsibility in the area of partnership working, particularly in relation to service design and supporting staff in the process. She was keen to develop her knowledge of the theories and principals relevant to organisational change and success with a view to progressing into a more senior role. The Consort Scholarship has allowed Norma to study for the MSc Nursing at Queen Margaret University.

She explained:”The Scholarship to study at university is not only allowing me to achieve my continuous professional development needs, in the area of Nursing,  it’s also presenting a personal challenge and offering a sense of achievement. I’d urge anyone who is serious about developing their potential to look at the benefits that the Consort Education Scholarship can provide for staff working within the Royal Infirmary.”

Norma is studying the MSc Nursing with QMU on a part-time basis while she continues in her role as a senior manager within NHS Lothian.

Eleanor Pryde was keen to improve her prospects within nurse education. Currently working as a staff nurse, Eleanor’s favourite role is mentoring student nurses, clinical support workers and other staff nurses. No stranger to continued professional development, Eleanor had already undertaken the MSc in Advanced Practice (Nursing). But with a clear goal of eventually becoming a nurse lecturer, she applied to the Consort Scholarship to fund a place on the Pg Cert in Professional Education at QMU. The programme will allow Eleanor to enhance her professional teaching and communication skills, therefore equipping her to progress her career in nurse education. The Scholarship will fund Eleanor to study part time for one year while continuing her role as staff nurse.

Stephen Gordon, Regional Director for Consort, said: We are delighted to announce that the Consort Scholarship has commenced, allowing us to further strengthen our partnership with NHS Lothian through the splendid educational service offered by Queen Margaret University. It is especially pleasing to see that the first recipients of the scholarship are staff who are at varying stages of their career and work across differing service areas.

“The intention of the Consort Education Scholarship is to provide opportunities to all staff members to further develop their career through higher or further studies (based at QMU) which will not only assist the individuals but will also assist in providing clinical care improvements to the people of Lothian.

“I am delighted to see the first three students responding so enthusiastically to the opportunities offered and wish them luck with their chosen paths of study.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR

The Consort scholarship is a long term agreement providing an annual opportunity for NHS Lothian and Edinburgh University employees connected with the Royal

Infirmary to apply for funding to progress their continuous professional learning at Queen Margaret University.

The innovative educational scholarship is open to nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and other relevant healthcare workers such as nursing and AHP assistants, paramedics, ancillary and service support staff applying for programmes of study at QMU.

Students whose work is connected with the Royal Infirmary may apply.

The Consort Education Scholarship celebrates the 10 th anniversary of the partnership between Consort Healthcare and NHS Lothian at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

For further media information please contact Lynne Russell, Press and PR Officer, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, tel: 0131 474 0000, mobile 07711 011239.