Preparing the new nursing generation

With the United Kingdom formally leaving the European Union, the impeachment trial of Donald Trump, and the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were stepping down from royal duties, the first months of 2020 had already set the stage for a momentous year. Then came March 23 and the announcement of a UK-wide lockdown due to coronavirus.

After lockdown, terms such as Covid-19, social distancing, self-isolation, PPE and, perhaps most notably, ‘key workers’, quickly became part of our everyday vocabulary.

In this edition of the University of Derby Magazine we shine a particular spotlight on nursing and allied healthcare professionals, with our lead feature exploring the value of these roles and the challenges the health sector faces, as well as showcasing how the University of Derby is helping to prepare the next generation of nurses.

Headshot of Kelly Tyler, Editor, smiling

Nurses, teachers and supermarket staff (to list but a few) have selflessly played their part in responding to the global pandemic, with the compassion and dedication of these unsung heroes being an inspiration to us all.

Kelly Tyler
Editor

Over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, around 500 of our nursing students have been supporting staff in hospitals and other care settings across the region, and you can read more about the University’s civic response to the crisis in this issue.

You will also gain an insight into how our graduates are helping to put the city at the forefront of the technological revolution, and learn more about the impact of flexible working and the gig economy on employees, as well as read about the essential skills needed for the future in a special roundtable feature with guests from across the city and county.

Pulling this digital issue together while remote working has been no mean feat so we hope you enjoy the read. Join in the conversation and share your thoughts with us using #DerbyUniMagazine on social media or by emailing editor@derby.ac.uk.

Articles

Healthcare illustration with a microbe in the background and healthcare staff in the foreground
Preparing the new nursing generation

2020 was earmarked as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife but few could have anticipated what the year would bring for the profession.

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Opinion: Amanda Solloway

Amanda Solloway, Derby North MP and Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, shares her thoughts on the challenges the coronavirus pandemic has brought to the United Kingdom.

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What does the future of research look like?

Professor Warren Manning explores what the landscape for research looks like now and what the future holds.

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Our Alumni: Game Changers

Derby-based digital visualisation company Bloc Digital is at the forefront of the technology revolution. Kelly Tyler finds out how Derby alumni are helping the firm break new technological ground.

Aerial view of the city of Derby from Kedleston Road
Opening Doors: Inspiring young people to shape their own futures

Is enough being done to open doors for young people, raise awareness of opportunity, channel aspiration and support them to help transform their lives?

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Setting the scene for the new skills landscape

Following the coronavirus outbreak, when the economy begins its process of recovery, the need for a comprehensive industrial strategy with a clear vision of the future will be more urgent than ever.

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Research Roundup

Our recent research looks at efficiencies in shiploading, the impact of environmental pollution on pregnancy, and how a multi-functioning shed is used as a space to encourage conversation.

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Research in Focus

Researchers from the University of Derby have led two pioneering projects on compassion as a way of effectively treating mental health.

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The importance of arts and culture in today's society

Professor Keith McLay, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Education, explores the importance of the arts and culture in today's society.

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Is Covid-19 helping to combat climate change?

Since lockdown measures were first introduced, people across the globe have made drastic changes to their behaviour. Is lockdown helping the environment repair and wage its own war on climate change?

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The Gig Economy: an avenue for flexible working?

Coined during the 2009 financial crisis, the ‘gig economy’ described workers who had multiple jobs. But what does this new way of working mean for businesses and the workers earning gig to gig?

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True or false? How much is fake news influencing our lives?

Is it real or fake? Around 45% of adults in the UK believe they encounter fake news every day. So, what influence has fake news already had on the general public and what risk does it pose?

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5 minutes with... Baasit Siddiqui

Baasit Siddiqui gives insight into his career so far, balancing TV stardom with business, and his plans for the future.

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Student success

A University of Derby student has helped her team make history by winning the Women’s Badminton Premier League for the first time ever.

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Our Civic Commitment

As a university, we take the civic role we play seriously and are committed to supporting our local communities, particularly through these challenging times.

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Last Word

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL shares her thoughts on the year so far and how the higher education sector has changed in recent months.