Moray College healthcare course supports post-Covid NHS
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STUDENTS graduating from a Moray College UHI course are helping to support the NHS following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) says its Integrative Healthcare BSc (Hons) degree, which it developed in consultation with industry, closely reflects the changing requirements of the sector in the UK and abroad.
It is the only course of its kind in Scotland.
The college says the degree equips students with the understanding and skills to help a range of clients with complex conditions and to undertake a range of treatments in patient clinics, such as massages at GP surgeries, as an alternative to traditional approaches.
Rosemary McCormack, head of curriculum and programme leader, said: "If Covid has done anything, it has escalated what the NHS actually does.
"Before the pandemic people probably only thought about healthcare if they needed help, but it has been thrown into the limelight.
"Some people are highly dependent on NHS care over time and that can be reduced with the added support of integrative healthcare.
"It is about a little bit of the in-between – you are the complete and utter wrap-around support both academically and professionally, working with other healthcare professionals to provide the best care for every single client you meet, hopefully taking away some of the pressure on NHS staff."
The distance learning course has been adapted for 2020, becoming fully home-based.
Rosemary added: "As the course is a distance learning degree, lockdown hasn’t made a huge difference to student life, but we have made a few changes as we previously had two face-to-face meet-ups and residentials at Moray College UHI campus in Elgin built into the course. These can now be done virtually, along with placements."
Teresa Elliot, from Elgin, graduated from the course last year with a first-class Honours degree. She said: "The experience I have gained from the course has enabled me to set up my own mobile business, work as a therapist for MND Scotland, and continue to volunteer at a carers service so that carers and staff can enjoy some respite."
Year one and two of the degree (HNC and HND), are based on complementary therapies including massage, reflexology, anatomy and aromatherapy, with years three and four (degree and honours) focusing on integrative healthcare, using complementary therapies and medical protocols to deliver new approaches to healthcare.
Since its inception in 2017, figures for applicants have risen each year. It is anticipated that there will be around 65 enrolments for the 2020-21 degree – an increase of 20 enrolments from 2019-20.
For more information visit www.uhi.ac.uk.
