Holy Cross Hospital in Haslemere has announced a partnership with the University of Brighton to offer the latest Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) regulated professional nursing role, the nursing associate.

Holy Cross health care assistants Sophie and Liliana have been accepted for the two-year nursing associate higher apprenticeship, which will see them gain a foundation degree in science accredited by the NMC.

Holy Cross Hospital acting chief executive Chris Hinton said: “Becoming a nursing associate is an excellent opportunity for people who are passionate about caring for other people but who did not follow the traditional route of studying for a nursing degree. Our students will spend four days working at the hospital and one day in the classroom at the University of Brighton. They will also complete four external placements in other healthcare organisations.

“I see the nursing associate training as providing us with a win-win situation.

“By adding this option to our comprehensive learning and development programme, healthcare assistants can progress their nursing careers and we can build the capacity of our nursing workforce.”