Gibraltar Health Authority in conjunction with the University of Gibraltar are pleased to announce the commencement of postgraduate degree studies in Advanced Health Care Practice. Sixteen students from a cross-section of the GHA Nursing and Allied Health Professionals have begun lectures as part of their MSc Advanced Healthcare Practice programme.

The course offers a new and bold vision for the development of our clinical workforce, enabling them to further develop their autonomy and undertake the role of advanced practitioners within their speciality.

The programme is centred on advanced clinical practice, leadership, education and research. This level of practice is characterised by a high degree of autonomy and complex decision making that embodies the ability to manage clinical care in partnership with individuals, families and carers.

The programme will further enhance care delivery and help to shape future health and social care provision in Gibraltar, improving patient and service user experience with better clinical outcomes.

Vice Chancellor and CEO of the University of Gibraltar, Prof Catherine Bachleda, said: “We are delighted to be delivering our new MSc in Advanced Healthcare Practice to key Gibraltar Health Authority professionals. This programme provides professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to expand their scope of practice, empowering them to make autonomous clinical decisions. Through this advanced programme, they will be better equipped to meet the evolving needs of the people they care for, ultimately enhancing the quality of healthcare in Gibraltar."

GHA Director General, Kevin McGee, said: “Our partnership with the University of Gibraltar underlines a firm commitment to provide continuing professional development for our clinical staff. The care and well-being of our patients is paramount and by ensuring that our professionals have the most advanced skills in their respective disciplines to assist them in making the best clinical decisions, we are accomplishing our objective of meeting ongoing targets for ever improving quality health care for the community.”

For her part, the Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: “I am delighted at the partnership between the GHA and the University of Gibraltar which creates 16 postgraduate training positions for local health care professionals, in keeping with our policy of ensuring that we can produce highly trained staff in important areas such as this.”