Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham visited Edge Hill University’s Paramedic, Nurse Paramedic and Operating Department Practice students to personally thank them for their hard work during the pandemic.
Some students had only just started their training when lockdown was called, with others starting their programmes in the middle of the pandemic. They all had to rapidly adapt to alternative ways of studying and working, helping to support the needs of the people across the region while continuing with their studies.
During his visit to the University’s bespoke St James’ facility in Manchester, the Mayor stressed the importance of the NHS and how everyone rose to the challenges of the pandemic, taking on added responsibility, working long hours and in challenging circumstances.
Mayor Burnham said “It was fantastic to visit Edge Hill’s Manchester campus yesterday. I’ve had a fifteen-year relationship with the University from my time as a Member of Parliament and Shadow Education Secretary and my own brother was a student there when training to be a teacher.
“It was lovely to speak to all the students who’ve been through so much during the pandemic, are a credit to both their lecturers and the NHS. I’d like to thank you again to all of Edge Hill’s health students to whom we all owe a debt of thanks.”
Head of Department for Allied Health Professions Andrew Kirk said: “The impact of the pandemic was huge on our students and staff. We were all so impressed with the way students adapted to new ways of working and their dedication to our partner organisations in helping with the response to the pandemic.
“For our students and staff to have their hard work recognised and be thanked personally by the Mayor is a great honour. I am extremely proud of every single one of them.”
Following his address, Mr Burnham discussed other topical issues, initiatives, opportunities and challenges within the region, drawing on the students’ experiences whilst studying in Manchester.
MSCI (Hons) Nurse Paramedic student Sean Domingo said: “Andy was very engaging, it was great that he acknowledged the concerns Manchester-based students have with accommodation and offered to find a practical solution to try and help us. He also spoke about how integrated care is the future of the NHS and how our roles will fit into this.”
To discover more about our courses at Edge Hill, please visit ehu.ac.uk/study.
July 7, 2021
