A SENIOR health boss has hailed the work at the University of Worcester’s Institute of Health and Society as “inspirational”.

Director of nursing at Health Education England Dr Lisa Bayliss-Pratt visited the university – widely considered one of top places in the country to study the subject – last month where she met students and toured the new Clinical Simulation Centre and spoke with staff.

The Clinical Simulation Centre is a newly-opened facility designed to provide simulation-based learning for students, staff and healthcare professionals.

Dr Bayliss-Pratt said: “It was really great to watch the students in action.

“They couldn’t speak highly enough of the academic institution and the placements they had been on, demonstrating a sound commitment to partnership working with practice.

“They told me about challenges they had faced, but felt supported and able to develop into their professional roles.

“They were clear that they wanted and thoroughly enjoyed their nursing, and had a good idea about how they wanted to progress in their careers.

“It’s been a wonderful visit, not only enjoyable, but quite inspirational too.

“When you’re not necessarily at the front line every day, you perhaps pick up on negative things in the press, but when you come and speak to students and staff you see that there’s a lot of fantastic work going on.”

During the visit Dr Bayliss-Pratt met staff including vice-chancellor David Green and head of the institute of health and society Dr Jan Quallington.

Dr Quallington said she was delighted to welcome Dr Bayliss-Pratt.

“This was a fantastic opportunity to share ideas and solutions and to showcase the excellent and inspirational work that the team here at Worcester are engaged in,” she said.

“We are committed to developing excellent, compassionate practitioners who will be able to play a leading role in shaping health care that will meet current and future challenges.”