A graduation ceremony for the presentation of BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) and BSc Health Care Practice took place on Friday 3rd November 2017 at the Rock Hotel.

The hosts of this event were the School of Health Studies and the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA). The Minister for Health, Care and Justice, the Honourable Neil F Costa MP, attended together with the Executive Dean and Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Andy Kent Kingston University, London and St George’s University of London. In addition, the Principal of the School of Health Studies, Dr Ron Coram, presented the School of Health Studies awards.

Professor Ian Peate, Head of the School of Health Studies said ‘The School of Health Studies has an established record of producing competent and confident practitioners. We work very closely with our clinical colleagues who help to ensure that students are offered support to complete their studies and to gain as much experience as possible in all fields of nursing’.

The award of BSc (Hons) in Nursing (Adult) is the culmination of three years’ hard work for all the graduates who have obtained their Degree.

Mrs Noleen Jones, School Lecturer commented ‘I have worked with, and supported, these students over the three-year programme. This has been three years of commitment, dedication and hard work and what they have achieved they should be immensely proud of’.

Mr James Viñales, Principal Lecturer said ‘This group of students have not only had to produce academic work of a high standard to demonstrate their ability to study at degree level, they have also had to do this whilst managing their day job. They have shown tenacity and determination and it is right they should be commended in receiving their award’.

As is the case with all academic courses, the pace has been demanding as students have to undertake examinations, pass assessments and learn clinical skills that are essential in a fast changing and demanding health service. Of the 14 graduates that completed the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) programme, 4 achieved 1st Class with Honours; this is an outstanding achievement.

In addition, there were 7 graduates achieving the BSc in Health Care Practice.

Dr Ron Coram, Principal of the School of Health Studies said ‘This is a challenging and demanding Degree, from a number of perspectives; it is emotionally, intellectually and physically taxing. The School of Health Studies and our clinical partners have provided students with the support that they require to be successful in their academic and practice undertakings’.

The Honourable Neil F Costa, Minister for Health said ‘I am immensely proud and pleased, as are the Government, to see how our students’ efforts have been transformed into the award of a health care degree. Working and studying at the same time requires a considerable amount of motivation, effort, sacrifice and commitment. In order to reach the very high standards laid down by the nursing profession, there has to be perseverance and diligence. For those newly qualified nurses, graduation becomes the first day of the rest of their professional career. On behalf of the Government, may I take this opportunity to wish all graduates much success for the future, as well as offering them our very warmest congratulations’.