University of Galway has welcomed Government approval for three new healthcare degrees with a specific focus on community-based care and addressing workforce needs in rural areas.
The expansion was unveiled after Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris had requested the Higher Education Authority to establish how more capacity could be provided in healthcare.
The three new healthcare degree programmes for University of Galway – Pharmacy, Graduate Entry Medicine, and Graduate Entry Nursing – are in response to the needs of the healthcare sector and demand for staff.
The government also approved the expansion of existing healthcare degree programmes at the University to ensure General Nursing & Midwifery has an intake of 24 students each year and the HDip in Midwifery has eight students each year.
President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said that University of Galway’s mission is to be a ‘driver of transformational change’ for people and the communities in which we live.
“Government investment of this scale will make these ambitions manifest and make a real difference for health and well-being of patients in our region in their time of profound need,” said Prof Ó hÓgartaigh.
“We look forward to the day, a few years from now, when 150 additional graduates are embarking on careers in healthcare after coming through our new programmes.
“It is an inspiring vision for the future of care in Ireland. I thank the Government for their support of our shared ambition for the public good.”
