Postgrad infection control certificate launched in Wales

A new first postgraduate qualification in infection prevention and control is now available for nurses in Wales.

Swansea University's school of health science has developed the country's first postgraduate certificate in infection prevention and control, following discussions with the Welsh Assembly.

Starting from this September, the new 10-week course is intended to serve as a foundation for all practitioners involved in infection prevention and control.

It will be taught by expert practitioners, policy makers from the Welsh Assembly and leading professionals in the field. It is the only course of its type available in Wales.

Students will develop their knowledge in three core areas – patient care practices and health care systems, microbiology and infectious diseases, and epidemiology and application of research.

Tracey Gauci, nursing officer at the Welsh Assembly's public health and health professions department, said: 'Higher education institutions across Wales have been engaged in developing and running a range of infection prevention and control courses at diploma, first degree and even masters level over last few years. This is in addition to education and training provided locally by NHS trusts and the national e-learning programme.