Lahore, September 01, 2023 (PPI-OT): To foster global nursing education through transcultural collaboration, the Lahore School of Nursing (LSN), in partnership with the International Linkages Cell at The University of Lahore (UOL), recently concluded the three week Pak-UK Transcultural Nursing Summer Camp. An esteemed delegation from the University of Chester (UoC), UK, including the Nursing Director, Professor and Associate Dean-Postgraduate Studies, Program Lead, and five nursing students joined this camp.
During the trans-cultural camp, the UoC and UOL representatives discussed ways of strengthening academic ties, aligning curricula, and joint research projects, setting a new benchmark for global nursing education partnerships. The delegates appreciated the friendliness of the Pakistani people and applauded UOL’s teaching facilities and UOL Teaching Hospital (ULTH). The testimonies of the UK nursing students who participated in the camp reveal a transformative experience at UOL.
Daniel Brett Blackburn (BSc Disability Nursing)
Sharing his experience, Daniel Brett Blackburn appreciated the cultural diversity and Pakistan’s dedication to learning. He noted that the LSN faculty members demonstrated a profound understanding of the nursing education model and communicated proficiently in English.
“Within my three-week stay here at UOL and Pakistan generally, I have found many similarities and a depth of practical experience between the two countries. I commend UOL’s academic excellence and curriculum, which reflects a higher academic level. I highly recommend the experience to other UK students. I further encourage Pakistani nursing students to persevere and stay focused despite the challenges of nursing training,” Mr Blackburn said.
Bethany Spence (BSc Adult Nursing)
Another student with an extensive background in nursing education and hospital administration, Bethany Spence compared healthcare systems between the UK and UOL Teaching Hospital, highlighting that the speed of service delivery is remarkable at ULTH, with minimal patient waiting times for check-ups especially in the emergency, while the UK procedures tend to be slower and longer.
“I have visited several government hospitals in Pakistan and have noticed issues related to infection control and hygiene. However, ULTH stands out for its exceptional performance in this aspect. During my observation of UOL’s nursing department, I was impressed by its extensive range of programmes and a comprehensive curriculum, making it one of the best institutions for higher education. I also encourage Pakistani nurses to take pride in their crucial and sacred profession,” she maintained.
Henry Christian Brindle (Qualified MSc Mental Health Nursing)
Describing his understanding of nursing practices in Pakistan, Mr Henry Christian Brindle underlined the professionals’ knowledge and their quick responses to patient care, showcasing their passion and expertise.
While comparing the nursing education models of the UK and UOL, Mr Brindle said, “I noticed variations in curriculum and instructional techniques. However, I was particularly impressed by UOL’s emphasis on a knowledge-centered approach and its strong IT resources. What stood out to me the most was the university’s dedication to research and simulation.”
“My message to the UOL’s nursing students is that they should strive for excellence, cultivate confidence, and uphold rigorous educational standards to establish a foundation for prosperous careers. UOL must also strengthen its research and simulation facilities,” he advised. He further showed his keen interest in forming a collaborative partnership with UOL for nursing research.
Maria Jayne Davies (BSc Adult Nursing)
Another British nursing professional Maria Jayne Davies acknowledged the nursing education as theoretical knowledge and internship of practice at ULTH. She also highlighted the deep engagement between nursing leadership and university leadership at various levels.
“I noticed the financial and cultural differences between the UK and Pakistan but my three-week journey here has shown me an overall positive experience. When I compare the curricula, I see that UOL nurses go through a comprehensive 4-year programme, studying extensive knowledge across all nursing fields. On the other hand, the UK offers a 3-year specialised course. My call to the nursing students is to maintain excellent performance, pursue continuous learning, and strive for excellence in their professional endeavors,” Ms Davies mentioned.
Nicola Farrell (BSc Adult Nursing)
Ms Nicola Farrell said that the ULTH is well-designed and equipped with sufficient resources. She enjoyed her time in Pakistan, appreciating the culture, people’s welcoming behaviour, family bonds, and the University of Lahore.
Narrating about her three-week stay, Ms Farrell said that she gained professional experience, witnessing outstanding work in clinics and quick patient handling, unlike the UK’s longer delays. She also felt positive about UOL, describing her trip as successful, safe, and welcoming. She mentioned that while UOL’s curriculum is impressive. She urged the nursing students to maintain their dedication to excellence and keep moving forward.
“I’ve had a three-week stay. During this time, I gained some professional experience and got to witness some truly exceptional work in clinics. The way they handle patients efficiently here is quite a contrast to the longer delays back in the UK. I must say, I feel really positive about UOL. My trip has been nothing short of a success. The safety and welcoming atmosphere I experienced here were remarkable,” Ms Farrell said.
Commenting on UOL’s nursing curriculum, she said, “The nursing curriculum adopted here is impressive. I’d like to urge all you nursing students to stick to your dedication for excellence and just keep pushing forward.”
Yvette Suzanne Heatley (Registered Nurse, Faculty, and Leader Nursing (Warrington)
Despite the negative picture on foreign media, Ms Heatley found Pakistan safe and its healthcare wonderful, praising the hospitality of the people of Lahore. She also observed that the ULTH follows policies and protocols similar to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, facilitating effective collaboration between nurses and doctors for patient care.
“I laud the teaching of nursing at UOL. The offered curriculum extends over four years and includes engaging modules, clinical goals, and comprehensive knowledge. I also appreciate how UOL’s nursing education follows a model that combines teaching, simulation/skills lab, and clinical practice, which is not different from ours in the UK,” she stated. She further envisioned UOL as a hub for excellence in nursing education, bridging gaps in healthcare through evidence-based education.
Prof Basma Elahi (Prof of Public Health and Social Care)
Prof Basma Elahi, with over 20 years of experience at UoC, UK, a dedicated researcher focusing on evidence-based practice, was intensely impressed by the University of Lahore. She admired its purpose-built infrastructure, dedicated faculty, ample resources, strong leadership networking with regulatory bodies, and a clear vision for healthcare and education advancement. Comparing UOL to UoC, she observed UOL’s larger size and exceptional performance in nursing and health sciences.
While commenting on the collaboration between UOL and UoC, she said: “The object of this partnership is to strengthen relationships, expand healthcare programmes, and offer world-class education, and to enhance learning through international linkages.”
For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk