A masters degree programme being run at University College Cork will help the Saolta University Health Care Group, which runs the public hospitals in the west and north-west of the country, boost the number of radiographers on its books.
As part of a Memorandum of Understanding between Saolta and UCC, 10 students of the MSc Diagnostic Radiography degree course at UCC are receiving sponsorship in return for a commitment to work within the HSE Saolta Group of hospitals for a two year period after graduation. The MSc programme offers an accelerated route for graduates from any health science or science related discipline to gain a recognised qualification in Diagnostic Radiography.
Ann Cosgrove, the chief operations officer of the Saolta group said her organisation was delighted to partner with UCC on this “incredibly important” course. “This move will help the Saolta group to proactively build up a future supply of radiographers while also promoting radiography as an attractive profession.”
Pat Nash, the chief clinical officer for the Saolta Group, stated that the MSc in Diagnostic Radiography will provide and equip Saolta’s future radiographers with the clinical and research skills and professional attributes required to work and develop as clinicians within its hospitals.
“The Saolta University Health Care Group has seven hospital locations along the west coast. We look forward to working with these future graduates in our radiography services across the group.”
Marguerite Frewen, a MSc Diagnostic Radiography student, explained why she decided to enrol in this degree course. “I always had a great interest in pathology and diagnostics, coming from a background in general nursing. I had a strong ambition to progress into a career where I would be working with advanced and evolving technology while caring for people and radiography allows me to do both.
“I am delighted that I got the opportunity to come to one of the Saolta Group hospitals for clinical placement. I have gained valuable experience in numerous areas, in a very busy radiography department. While being on placement, I was able to enhance my learning and put my skills to practice, while having support and guidance from the radiographers working in University Hospital Galway.”
