UNISON at the February joint union protest at the Senedd against Cardiff’s decision to close the nursing course.
Reacting to the pausing of plans to close the nursing degree teaching programme at Cardiff University, UNISON Cymru/Wales lead nursing rep Andrea Prince said:
“This is the right decision for NHS Wales, Cardiff University and thousands of young people wanting to work in hospitals.
“The university has listened to the voices of nursing students and health unions, and will now consider alternative proposals.
“When high levels of nursing vacancies at Welsh health boards are hindering patient care, and universities are under immense financial pressure, closing a vital nursing course didn’t make any sense.
“UNISON notes that Cardiff University has explored alternatives that will allow for a smaller number of nursing undergraduates to study a reshaped degree course.
“Like Cardiff University, UNISON believes Wales needs a consistent supply of well-trained nurses for the NHS. They must be trained at universities here in Wales.”