HSA, UCCI sign MOU to develop young Caymanians

In a strong demonstration of its commitment to advancing local healthcare, the Cayman Islands Health Service Authority (HSA) has solidified its partnership with the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) Ruth Eleanor McLaughlin School of Nursing through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 10th July 2024.

The five-year MOU lays the foundation for the HSA to provide students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programme with a suitable environment for clinical learning experiences and access to highly qualified staff to serve as preceptors and supervisors.

Ms. Lizzette Yearwood, CEO of the HSA noted that “This MOU amplifies the partnership between two of the Cayman Islands’ prestigious institutions to advance health education and practices by ensuring the development of a cadre of capable and skilled nursing professionals that will continue to deliver exceptional compassionate care to patients”. 

Under the agreement, students will benefit immensely by fine-turning their nursing and procedural knowledge and interpersonal skills that will benefit the community. Prior to the MOU signing, the UCCI and HSA had for many years maintained fruitful, mutually beneficial relationships, working closely to enhance healthcare through shared resources and expertise. 

Minister of Health & Wellness, the Honourable Sabrina Turner expressed that “There is no better way to future-proof our community to enhance resilience than by investing in the education and development of our young people”.

She emphasised that: “The signing of this MOU is a great step for our islands as it provides our young Caymanians with invaluable opportunities to pursue and enhance their nursing careers locally. It is also a proactive step in encouraging more interest and uptake in this field, one that is in great demand globally, and which helps us build greater resilience within our healthcare system by nurturing homegrown talent.  Partnerships such as this create a positive ripple effect not only for those directly involved but for our entire community.”

Dr. Robert W. Robertson, President, and CEO of UCCI, commented, “This MOU represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to elevate healthcare education in the Cayman Islands. Celebrating the tenth anniversary of our Ruth Eleanor McLaughlin School of Nursing this year, we are proud to be the only nursing school on the island and to have consistently maintained a 100% pass rate in the RENR nursing exams for our graduates.

“By partnering with the HSA, we are ensuring that our nursing students receive the best clinical training and mentorship from seasoned healthcare professionals. This collaboration not only enhances the quality of our nursing programme but also strengthens our commitment to producing highly skilled and compassionate healthcare providers who will serve our community with excellence.”

In May, the HSA recognised six participants who completed the Transition to Practice Programme (TTP), all of whom are graduates of the UCCI’s School of Nursing Programme. The TTP is a 12-month-long nursing training initiative that bridges the gap between academic learning and professional practice.