Healthy appetite for learning

A celebration of learning took place at Edge Hill University to mark the end of its current contract with Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust. Around 60 administrative, clinical and support staff from the hospital gathered at the University's Ormskirk Campus where they received certificates to mark their achievements.

Steve Igoe, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Resources) opened the event, which was also attended by Andrew Johnson, Chairman of Southport and Ormskirk Acute Hospital Trust.

Throughout the last two years more than a thousand people have benefited from a range of qualifications and development programmes delivered by Edge Hill staff on site in special learning resource centres at the hospital. Qualifications range from NVQs to management and information technology programmes.

Steve Igoe commented: "Although this current contract has reached its end, we look forward to continuing to work with the Trust in the future on similar staff development initiatives. An organisation?s people are its greatest asset. This is a good example of how the Trust is investing in the people that make it a success."

Andrew Johnson also congratulated staff on their commitment to successful professional development:

"I think you are all very special students. To study alongside employment is no mean feat and you have all done well to achieve so much. I know that your commitment to developing yourselves is reflected in the projects that you undertake in your job roles. The learning you have been involved in has been put into practice. We all benefit from our work together, with improvements in patient care the end result of developing such a highly motivated work force."

Around one in ten staff from the Trust has achieved an award with Edge Hill over the term of the contract.