Glasgow Clyde College offers Scotland’s first HN perinatal care course
Glasgow Clyde College (GCC) is delivering Scotland’s first HNC perinatal course, offering diverse and inclusive training to support new parents throughout and after pregnancy, along with early parenthood.
The course, which launched this summer, offers a foundation in perinatal care, and looks at aspects of care including the anatomy and physiology during pregnancy, professional practice and mental health, along with clinical skills, inclusive practice and sustainability in healthcare.
Teaching also includes a professional perinatal placement within NHSGGC to get real-life experience, along with support with CV writing and interview preparation.
The HNC Healthcare Practice (Next Gen): Perinatal Pathway was developed with support from Glasgow Clyde College healthcare lecturers Nicola Bradley and Joanna McIntyre, to create a new educational route that better prepares learners for maternity and neonatal support roles, along with progression into midwifery. The project-based approach ensures students get a realistic introduction to the profession and the most out of their studies.
Nicola Bradley, healthcare lecturer at Glasgow Clyde College, said: “We’re very proud to be the first college in Scotland to offer a course that specifically looks at perinatal care. Modern maternity care extends beyond pregnancy, labour and delivery, and we’re seeing a welcome shift into offering care throughout the whole pregnancy experience, including pre and post birth.
“Our teaching staff are very passionate about supporting the sector and new learners, as they themselves are registered midwives. We’re always looking at how we can improve teaching and offering a course that is dedicated to perinatal care feels like a huge achievement for both the college and the sector as a whole.”
Glasgow Clyde College has a long history of supporting parents, and has implemented a range of baby-friendly measures across its three campuses to support parents who face the struggle of choosing between children and their own education. Infant feeding facilities are available, including highchairs in campus canteens, along with baby changing facilities. GCC was also the first college to obtain accreditation from Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland.
Glasgow Clyde College also offers an online evening class for those looking to develop their professional practice in maternity support. PDA Developing Professional Practice in Health and Social Care: Maternity Support is partially funded and is available for those looking to strengthen their application for midwifery degree programmes.