Mullingar private hospital enters academic partnership with TUS

The Technological University of the Shannon and Charter Medical Private Hospital (CMPH) in Ballinderry have entered into an academic partnership.

The new agreement will see the university’s nursing students undertake training placements at the hospital in Mullingar.

Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding at the hospital yesterday afternoon, Professor Vincent Cunnane, TUS president, said that “interactions with the private sector are becoming increasingly important” for third level institutions and TUS is “absolutely delighted” with the new partnership with CMPH.

“We see this as a really symbiotic relationship and one that will be of great benefit to both parties,” said Professor Cunnane.

“... Ultimately we pride ourselves that not just our nursing graduates but that all our graduates are sectoral ready. Coming through this experience will add huge value to them.”

Executive chairman Tom Byrne said that CMPU is looking forward to working with TUS in the coming years.

“We are just delighted to be working with you [TUS]. We are very conscious of what you have been doing [in Athlone],” said Mr Byrne. ”We see ourselves as a private hospital based in the middle of Ireland, rather than everyone heading to Dublin. We are developing that with a fabulous team and look forward to working with you.”

Sarah Connaire, clinical facilitator for CMPH, told the Westmeath Examiner that the new partnership will benefit both parties.

“Academic partnerships are fundamental to the development and progression of healthcare institutes and through this collaboration CMPH can support nurse training programmes for our future workforce here in the Midlands,” said Ms Connaire.

“Charter Medical Private Hospital will provide an excellent training placement in terms of its positive patient centric and staff culture. Student nurses will experience a full 360 overview of the elective surgical pathway inclusive of the operating area and experience of working in our progressive community-based clinics.”