The Open University

The Open University and NHS in partnership to boost nursing numbers on the Isle of Wight

4 June 2019

The Isle of Wight (IOW) NHS Trust and The Open University are collaborating to deliver a three-year apprenticeship programme with investment of over £2m* from the Trust’s Apprenticeship Levy, to increase the number of registered nurses and nursing associates on the island. With 120 nursing vacancies on the island, the programme will widen access and […]

Life on the frontline of nursing – pioneer student discusses her journey with the OU

29 May 2019

Pioneer student, Jacky looks back at her life and study with The Open University, spanning over 40 years. She succeeded in becoming the only registered nurse at her hospital to have a degree and after completing further study with the OU, she launched a new career as a Nursing Tutor. “I was born and raised […]

Remove barriers to reduce nursing deficit by 13 per cent, says The Open University

17 May 2019

The Open University is calling on higher education institutions (HEIs) and NHS employers to address barriers to the nursing profession that are contributing to the UK’s chronic shortage of nurses. This comes as data secured by The Open University under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000[i], reveals that one in 20 (6%) places available […]

Jeremy Kyle Show: a psychologist explains the risks in reality TV and how aftercare should be done

17 May 2019

John Oats, Senior Lecturer in Developmental Psychology at The Open University writes for The Conversation about the psychological risks of reality television, following the news that The Jeremy Kyle Show has been taken off air. The psychological impacts of participating in broadcast productions can be much greater than broadcasters and producers may realise. This was […]

Looking Both Ways – spotlight on ageing and bisexuality

16 May 2019

As we mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on 17 May, Dr Rebecca Jones, Senior Lecturer in Health at The Open University discusses ageing and bisexuality as part of the Looking Both Ways research project, which she led alongside Professor Kathryn Almack (now at the University of Hertfordshire) and Dr Rachael Scicluna, a […]

Appendix removal: does it really increase your risk of getting Parkinson’s disease?

14 May 2019

Kevin McConway, The Open University writing for The Conversation. Recent scary press reports suggest that having your appendix out could triple your risk of getting Parkinson’s disease. Given that there is currently no cure for this neurodegenerative condition, people who have had their appendix out might be quite worried. But worrying, at this point, would […]

Dying Matters Awareness Week – test your knowledge

13 May 2019

Dying Matters Awareness Week highlights the importance of talking about dying, death and bereavement. The Open University has an abundance of information on the subject, curated by experts from across Health & Social Care. Get interactive Life or Death Decisions Would you be able to help your friends and family get the care they want […]

OU student features in Social Mobility State of the Nation Report

1 May 2019

The Social Mobility Commission has released its sixth annual ‘State of the Nation’ report, which assesses the progress that the UK has made towards improving social mobility. Open University graduate, Helen, featured in the report gives an example of how a ‘second chance’ at learning can impact life chances. It also highlights the importance of […]

New research to address mental health challenges in Guyana

12 April 2019

An OU academic is leading an ambitious new research project to address mental health challenges in Guyana. This will result in a new honours degree in Mental Health Nursing in Guyana, which has gained support from the Guyanese government, the higher education sector, and civic society. Dr Helena Ann Mitchell, Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing […]