Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing in Partnership with the Department of Health

LHP Skillnet is proud to be teaming up with The Department of Health on a new initiative which will aim to support nursing homes in building nurse expertise in the field of gerontology, new details of which were announced by Minister Butler & Minister Collins on Monday, 17^th of June 2024.

• Universities in Cork, Donegal, Dublin, and Sligo to partner with private nursing homes to deliver Postgraduate Diploma.
• €3.2 million in funding announced last February will support registered nurses to avail of the Diploma.
• Up to 205 registered nurses will be able to apply for the Postgraduate courses in 2024 and 2025.
• The initiative managed by LHP Skillnet on behalf of the Department of Health, is fully funded and aims to develop expertise in the field of Gerontology within the sector.

Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler and Minister for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins have announced four universities in Cork, Donegal, Dublin, and Sligo that are to partner with Leading Healthcare Providers (LHPs) Skillnet in 2024 to deliver a Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing.

Up to 205 registered nurses working in the private nursing home sector will be able to apply for the postgraduate courses, at:

• Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
• Royal College of Surgeons Ireland Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery (RCSI)
• Trinity College Dubin (TCD)
• University College Cork (UCC)

Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Minister Butler, said:

“Enhancing the qualifications and expertise of staff working in nursing homes is central to improving the quality of care delivered to nursing home residents, and I’m confident this collaboration will help to better facilitate the requirements of the nursing home sector.”

“This funding initiative was developed as a response to recommendations from the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel, and I welcome the collaboration of ATU, RCSI, TCD, UCC, and LHP Skillnet to deliver on this important initiative.

“I’m delighted my Department will be working in partnership with Skillnet Ireland and LHP Skillnet to deliver on this partnership, and would encourage all nursing homes to avail of this significant opportunity.”

The €3.2 million in funding, announced last February, to support registered nurses to avail of the Postgraduate Diploma will be provided over two years and will fund places during the academic years of 2024/2025 and 2025/2026.

All private nursing homes will be invited to apply for one Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 9 Gerontological Nursing Qualification placement over this period.

Funding for similar training was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2022 which allowed one nurse in each HSE and voluntary nursing home to obtain the qualification.

Carmel Kelly, Managing Director of LHP Skillnet, said:

“We are delighted to partner with ATU, RCSI, TCD & UCC to deliver on this initiative. We are confident that it will enhance the expertise, capabilities, and self-assurance of our already dedicated nurses. This is a significant and welcomed support for the sector as it strives to deliver the highest standard of care to our older citizens. We have had over 200 expressions of interest since our launch and formal applications are now open.”

The Programme will be managed by Leading Healthcare Providers (LHP) Skillnet on behalf of the Department of Health.

Minister for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins, said:

“I am delighted to see Skillnet Ireland and the Department of Health working together to support registered nurses in our private nursing homes. This initiative, managed by LHP Skillnet, will allow universities in Cork, Donegal, Dublin, and Sligo to partner with nursing homes to offer a Postgraduate Diploma.

“The €3.2 million in funding announced last February will allow up to 205 registered nurses to apply for these courses in 2024 and 2025.

“This initiative will greatly enhance our ability to provide the best possible care for older people in our communities.”