Glasgow Caledonian is shaping the future of NHS Scotland’s workforce – find out how
As pressures on Scotland’s NHS grow amid an ageing population and increasing demand for integrated care, Glasgow Caledonian University is powering a workforce revolution.
Glasgow Caledonian, the largest provider of Allied Health Professions (AHP) education in Scotland, trains a quarter of the country’s AHP graduates – from radiographers to dietitians – who are already making their mark on the frontlines of healthcare.
At the heart of this effort is the University’s School of Health and Life Sciences (SHLS), now home to a newly launched Department of Allied Health Professions which marks the start of a new chapter in the University’s long-standing history of delivering AHP education dating back more than 100 years.
Designed to tackle Scotland’s workforce shortages and health inequalities, the department delivers a suite of undergraduate, postgraduate and professional development programmes that are closely aligned with the evolving needs of NHS Scotland.
Our world-class healthcare education prepares the next generation of AHPs to contribute to the multifaceted clinical teams in which they will spend their careers. Glasgow Caledonian is a hub for innovation, inclusion and impact in healthcare education.
This strategic focus, bringing all AHP disciplines under one department, comes as Scotland faces a rise in chronic illness and multimorbidity. To meet those challenges, the University has invested in state-of-the-art simulation labs, strengthened clinical placement opportunities and embedded health equity into its curriculum.
Glasgow Caledonian has around 2,000 students studying a wide range of AHP programmes – developed in collaboration with NHS clinicians, Scottish Government policy advisors, students and patients. The hands-on approach ensures graduates are practice-ready and equipped to work across the health and care system.
Dr Alexandra Mavroeidi, who heads up the new Department of Allied Health Professions, described the move as a “bold step forward” and a “milestone” in the University’s history of delivering AHP education, particularly in nutrition and dietetics which is the longest-running programme in the UK.
We are preparing graduates who are ready to meet the rising challenges of chronic illness and deliver high-quality, person-centred care across Scotland and beyond.
One of the new department’s students is Kyle Kennedy, studying BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics. The first in his family to attend university, Kyle has already worked with stroke and neurological patients on placement. “There is no doubt I’ve found my passion at Glasgow Caledonian. It’s powerful to see how different allied health professionals come together to improve patient outcomes,” he said.
Celebrating unsung NHS heroes
Glasgow Caledonian’s leadership in healthcare education is further underlined by the key role it plays in supporting Scotland’s Health Awards which recognises and celebrates our unsung NHS heroes. The awards are hosted by the Scotsman, in partnership with NHS Scotland and The Scottish Government.
This year, the University’s SHLS is aptly sponsoring the Allied Health Professional Award which is awarded to an allied health professional who is providing excellent care and support for people in Scotland.
To find out more about Scotland’s Health Awards and make your nomination, visit the website.
Find out more
To find out more about Glasgow Caledonian and its courses visit the website.