Teaching staff draw on sustainability and health research expertise in acute, community and primary care, working in partnership with public health, local authorities, independent sector, schools, and GP practices to innovate and build healthier communities.
Year 1
All of our nursing and midwifery students are introduced to sustainability from induction and a focus upon it continues through the year. Sustainability is embedded in skills sessions, with a strong focus on the shrewd use of resources and management of waste. Students are encouraged to be critical, reflective learners able to challenge their own assumptions and those of others, and to make evidence informed and ethical decisions.
Year 2
Sustainability is embedded in a range of modules in year 2, using evidence from our own research and that of others. We cover topics such as global public health issues and inequalities, and the links between environment and wellbeing. The sustainable use of resources is covered in topics such as medicines management, and a sustainability and health skills session based on our own research. Adult nursing students apply their understanding of sustainability for public health and health promotion in their second year; learning eco-centric approaches to community engagement and supportive self-care skills for living well with long-term conditions.
Year 3
Sustainability is discussed in the context of, for example leadership and management and public health. Sustainability knowledge and skills are further developed through scenario-based learning evidence-informed decision-making. In year 3 a sustainability project award option is offered to our students. In clinical skills a strong focus remains upon resource and waste management. Mental health students explore the relationship between people and planet for health and wellbeing alongside green prescribing and nature-based interventions in practice.
Masters level
At Masters level, students are exposed to sustainability education within modules such as the Public Health and Health Promotion module and the Advancing Knowledge of Learning and Teaching for Practice module. Students are encouraged to read from a variety of sources to inform a deeper understanding of concepts such as planetary health, sustainable healthcare and climate change and health, and reflect on these concept in relation to their practice. Group discussions, discussion forums and seminar work are used to synthesise knowledge and understanding. Students on a mental health pathway have the option to explore the impact of nature on mental health as a part of psychosocial interventions in practice.
ResM and PhD
Opportunities are available for students who want to explore topics such as the sustainable use of health and social care resources, sustainable communities and sustainable education in healthcare. We currently have PhD students investigating sustainability within areas of healthcare such as paramedic services and in nurse education.
International
Through our Sustainability, Health and Wellbeing Interest Group (SHWIG) we are developing and liaising with other students and academics in Europe with similar interests in sustainability, climate change and health issues.