Wolverhampton nurses to get terror training

Lecturers at the University of Wolverhampton have received government training intended to prevent people becoming involved in terrorism.

This knowledge will now be passed on to students before they go into hospitals and other health-sector placements as part of their studies.

The university is the first in the country to include the ‘Prevent’ training in its curriculum.

It will be delivered in partnership with the National Counter Terrorism Policing Network and NHS.

Students on courses including adult and children’s nursing, midwifery, paramedic science and community health will receive the training.

The move has been welcomed by bosses at New Cross Hospital.

Steve Baggott, the university’s Operation Prevent lead, said: “We are the first university in the country to link up with the NHS to deliver this as a programme on the curriculum. It will be delivered to any student who will be going on placements in the health sector.

“This is a huge opportunity for the University of Wolverhampton. Prevent training is all about safeguarding, which is at the heart of everything we do, both from a university perspective and the NHS.

“Providing Prevent training to students who will be going on to work in the health sector can make real difference to people’s lives.

“They will be able to recognise the vulnerabilities that could leave people susceptible to radicalisation.”

The programme will begin to be delivered to staff before Christmas. Staff took part in a Workshop to Raise Awareness of Prevent workshop designed by the government to give participants an understanding of its counter-terror Prevent strategy.

It teaches people to use their existing expertise and professional judgment to recognise vulnerable individuals who may need support.

A spokeswoman for the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, which runs New Cross, said: “We welcome this initiate from the university preparing students around these important issues before they commence their placements.

“This training will ensure they are prepared and understand the safeguarding issues that could result in individuals being vulnerable to radicalisation.

“This approach from the university complements the existing training in place for NHS staff.”

Hilary Garratt, director of nursing at NHS England and deputy chief nursing officer for England, said: “It is great to see the University of Wolverhampton working closely with the NHS to further develop the safeguarding capabilities of their nursing and medical students through Prevent training.

“All health staff play an important role in safeguarding service users, which includes the prevention of radicalisation of the most vulnerable individuals who may be at risk of exploitation.”