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The last week has seen some worrying developments for the future of the nursing profession. Cardiff University is consulting on its proposals to stop providing nursing courses at the University.  

I am very concerned about the proposed closure of such a prestigious institution’s nursing programme, which would have a significant impact on the future of nursing in Wales. They train highly skilled, compassionate nurses who have gone on to serve communities locally, across Wales and further afield.  

I am currently in Wales to support our members and discussing next steps. We will be responding to the University’s consultation on behalf of our members and in the interests of patients. There is a severe nursing shortage in Wales, and across the UK, and the impact of university course closures on the potential to train future nurses is far reaching.  

Just last month we highlighted the impact that unsafe staffing has on our members and our patients when we released our heartbreaking report, highlighting the devastating impact of corridor care.  

That report would not have been possible without our members bravely sharing their experiences of the realities of nursing in the NHS today. The public recognise the impact and to properly solve this crisis, the UK government has to bring forward new and urgent investment into the nursing workforce, especially in the community and social care. 

We continue to use the power of our members' expertise to advocate for nursing with the UK government. We recently submitted evidence to the Public Bill Committee on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. This was an important opportunity to ensure that the nursing profession’s voice was heard early in the scrutiny process. 

I last week and emphasised the need for a multidisciplinary approach and highlighted the expertise of nursing staff in supporting patient decision-making, safeguarding, and providing compassionate end-of-life care.  

In Scotland, our staff and reps are out in workplaces across Scotland over the next few months as part of the Band 5 Nursing Roles Review. We’ll be running briefings and workshops to support band 5 nurses to make submissions to the review – we can offer support whether you haven’t yet started your submission or are part way through the process. 

I’d like to remind you that applications for the Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Award 2025 are open, so please have a look through the categories, take a moment to reflect on the contribution you and your colleagues make and apply.  

Finally, I will be visiting workplaces across the UK this year, but I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Congress in Liverpool this May. Booking is now open so book your free place today. I hope to see you there.