Chief Nursing Officer visits UHI’s nursing staff and students
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) welcomed Scotland’s Interim Chief Nursing Officer, Anne Armstrong, to UHI House in Inverness on Tuesday 22 April 2025, where she met with nursing students and staff from the Centre for Rural Health Sciences.
During her visit, Anne engaged with senior academic staff including Professor Nicola Carey, Head of the Centre, and Dr Heather Bain, Associate Head, and spoke with students from across all years of the BSc Nursing programme.
Highlights included interactive sessions with third-year students, a virtual meeting with staff and students at UHI North, West and Hebrides’ Stornoway campus in the Outer Hebrides, and an informal lunch with local nursing staff. These sessions offered valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities of delivering nursing education in remote and rural areas.
Dr Heather Bain, Associate Head of the Centre for Rural Health Sciences, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Anne to UHI and showcase the work we are doing to support nursing education in remote and rural areas. Her visit is a real boost to staff and students alike, highlighting the vital importance of rural healthcare and our commitment to excellence in educating the next generation of nurses.”
Anne Armstrong, Chief Nursing Officer, said:
"It was a privilege to visit UHI and see first-hand the dedication of staff and students working to deliver high-quality nursing education in Scotland’s rural communities. Their commitment, innovation and strong sense of community are truly inspiring."
During the visit, Anne also met with representatives from the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association to discuss the vital role of student voices in shaping the future of nursing education.
The visit highlights the Chief Nursing Officer’s commitment to developing the healthcare workforce while showcasing UHI’s curriculum preparing student nurses to care across remote, rural, urban and island communities.
Find out more about the Centre for Rural Health Sciences and BSc Nursing courses starting September 2025: www.uhi.ac.uk/cfhrs