Brunel University launches Masters Degree in urgent care for GPs

Brunel University's School of Health Sciences and Social Care today announces details of its new MSc in Urgent Care, which it is launching in response to upcoming changes to UK healthcare policy and practice. These changes will see patients that require urgent or unscheduled care being managed by a General Practitioner (GP) in Emergency Care Centres rather than by NHS Trusts.

Launching in September 2008, the course aims to equip GPs with the knowledge and professional competencies required to attend to patients requiring medical assistance for minor injuries and illnesses, as well as urgent or unscheduled care.

Prof. Lorraine De Souza, Head of the School of Health Sciences and Social Care at Brunel University, comments: “With these new changes to the healthcare system in the UK, the role of GPs will be changing and it is imperative that GPs receive the necessary further education and training in urgent care practice. We've designed this course to directly address these changes.“

Specifically, the MSc in Urgent Care will equip graduates with:

• Principles and insights integral to urgent care practice and the management of minor illness and injury
• Opportunities to enhance their professional competencies specific to urgent/unscheduled care, minor illness and minor injury
• A comprehensive knowledge of operational and strategic management and successful leadership approaches.

Other new courses launching at Brunel University include:

• MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration): Starting in September 2008, this course enables students with a first degree to become competent occupational therapists eligible to apply for registration with the Health Professions Council, for membership of the British Association of Occupational Therapists/College of Occupational Therapists. Graduates will be equipped for lifelong, safe and effective practice within the global marketplace

• MSc Physiotherapy: Starting January 2009, this programme is for physiotherapists wanting to continue their professional development. All modules use a combination of distance learning (via the internet) and small blocks of on campus time.