The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has raised concerns over Cardiff University’s proposal to close its school of nursing, labeling it as “profoundly alarming” and “baffling.” In response to the university’s plan to shut down the nursing school as part of cost-cutting measures, the RCN has warned of the severe risks this decision poses to patients, the public, nurse academics and students. The RCN’s formal response emphasized that ending nurse education at Cardiff University could worsen the existing challenges in Wales’s healthcare system, which is already faced with around 2,000 registered nurse vacancies in the NHS.
The RCN highlighted the growing demand for nursing education, as evidenced by increased applications to the school of nursing, including from higher-paying international students. The closure of the school would not only impact student education and staff, but also harm Cardiff’s reputation as a leading institution for nursing research and teaching. As a Russell Group university known for its excellence in nursing education, the RCN emphasized the vital role that Cardiff University plays in developing Wales’ healthcare workforce.
Helen Whyley, the executive director of RCN Wales, expressed deep concern over the university’s proposal, questioning its understanding of the importance of nurse education and investments in healthcare’s future. The RCN urged Cardiff University to reconsider its decision, avoid compulsory redundancies, and collaborate with key stakeholders to find a solution that safeguards nursing students, academic staff, and patient care.
The RCN’s consultation response highlighted the need for sustainable solutions in nurse education, emphasizing the importance of maintaining postgraduate provision to support the growth of Wales’ advanced nursing workforce. The RCN warned that discontinuing nursing as a subject would devalue the profession at a critical time for workforce development, citing evidence that graduate nurses play a key role in delivering high-quality care and improving patient outcomes.
Furthermore, the RCN raised concerns about the potential impact on other healthcare education programmes at Cardiff University if the nursing school were to close. With nurse academics often involved in teaching across different healthcare professions, the proposal to cut nursing education could introduce new risks to the university’s education infrastructure and facilities. The RCN emphasized the interconnected nature of healthcare education and urged Cardiff University to consider the broader implications of its decision.
In response to the RCN’s concerns, a spokesperson for Cardiff University stated that all stakeholder views would be considered as part of the ongoing consultation process. While the university reiterated its commitment to delivering nursing degree programmes for students starting in 2025, it emphasized that the proposed cuts are still under review and subject to detailed analysis before final decisions are made. The university also confirmed its intention to continue offering midwifery programmes in the future.
The proposed closure of Cardiff University’s school of nursing reflects broader challenges facing universities across the UK, including financial pressures, declining student numbers, and rising costs. As the consultation process continues, the RCN’s response underscores the critical need to protect nursing education and ensure the sustainability of healthcare workforce development in Wales. The outcome of the consultation will have significant implications for the future of nursing education and patient care in the region.