The first cohort of student nurses to study in Dudley have started their latest clinical placements in hospitals in the region.
The University of Worcester students are being trained at the Black Country & Marches Institute of Technology on Zoological Drive and are working on wards in hospitals around Dudley, Walsall and Sandwell.
They got their first taste of life on the wards during a shorter placement in the Autumn of last year.
During this longer placement, they’re putting into practice the knowledge they’ve gained in patient care and communication as they work alongside fully qualified staff in the regions’ NHS trusts.
Laura Morrish is on placement at Russell’s Hall Hospital, and said: “Every shift is completely different, and you’re treated like a member of the team so you feel like you’re making a contribution.”
She continued: “Being able to study near my home has made a big difference, I’m 20 minutes away from home and my lecturers are all really supportive.”
Victor Ohanuzue volunteered at Russell’s Hall Hospital in Dudley before returning as a student nurse on placement.
He said: “When I was here before I would say ‘I’m going to come back in a student nurse uniform!’ and they wouldn’t believe me!”
He continued: “To study where I live in Dudley makes a big difference. I can go and do my assignments near my home, I can go to the library here, I feel like I can study without any disturbance”
He added: “I feel like I’m studying in my home.”
Kimberley Stokes, Lecturer in Skills and Simulation at the University of Worcester, said: “It has been lovely to teach the new cohort of students as part of our new course offering in Dudley.”
She continued: “These dedicated students represent the future of healthcare, and I’m so proud to be part of their journey as they prepare to care for their local community, both during their training and in their future careers.”
She added: “Their enthusiasm and commitment to developing the skills essential to nursing has been inspiring.”
From September 2025, as well as Nursing, students in Dudley and the wider Black Country region will also have the opportunity to study for a University of Worcester degree in Criminology, Sports Therapy, or Assistant Practitioner at the Black Country & Marches Institute of Technology.
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries, telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk