Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is increasing its clinical placement opportunities for students doing the BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing thanks to a new linkup with Resilience Healthcare.
The university and healthcare provider signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 9th which will allow for students to get hands-on experience at the County Laois-based Áit Shona – the world’s first dedicated respite service for individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS).
Resilience Healthcare is a leading provider of essential disability services across Ireland.
In September 2024, in partnership with the HSE and Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Ireland, Resilience Healthcare proudly opened Áit Shona, meaning ‘Happy Place’, the world’s first dedicated respite centre for children and adults with PWS. PWS is a rare, complex, multi-system disorder that affects approximately one in every 12,000 to 15,000 people, with four to five babies diagnosed annually in Ireland.
Following extensive research and global consultation with specialists, Resilience Healthcare launched three residential services offering full-time support for people with PWS: in Wexford, Kildare and Cork. Áit Shona now leads the way as the first of its kind, offering much-needed respite with tailored support, facilities, and clinical care that empowers people with PWS to thrive.
Anne Cooney, Clinical Allocations Manager, Department of Nursing and Healthcare, TUS, highlighted the importance of providing students with the opportunity to gain exposure in community nursing care and develop insight, understanding, knowledge and skills in this unique learning environment.
She said: “As numbers of nursing students increase each year, it is more and more important to expose students to wider clinical placement opportunities. Together, TUS and Resilience Healthcare are proud to provide high-quality, inclusive learning environments that support student development and the continued delivery of exceptional care across Ireland.”
Speaking on the collaboration, Jeanne Fortune, Clinical Nurse Manager at Resilience Healthcare, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Technological University of the Shannon to support the next generation of nurses. Through clinical placements, students will gain first-hand experience within a multidisciplinary team in the social care setting of Áit Shona, which is setting a global standard in PWS respite care.”
