Welcome to the homepage of the Thames Valley & Wessex Neonatal Nursing Qualified in Specialty (QIS) Pilot Programme 


​Prior to 2019, QIS provision within the network was provided by Oxford Brookes University (OBU) for Thames Valley and a Work Based Learning approach by Southampton University/University Hospital Southampton for Wessex, with other units accessing universities outside the network.  Growing disparity of course content and cost within the network providers, which reflected similarly with the national picture, was the driving force for the development of a Network programme.
 
The Network practice educators worked collaboratively to design a programme that met the requirements of the units, ‘designed by the Network for the Network’. This followed a similar model to the already successful TV&W Neonatal Preceptorship programme. Susi Hill and Kim Edwards led the initial stages with Lindsey Macfarlane joining Susi in July 2020 to become QIS co-leads. Lynette Kinnaird joined the team in 2021 as programme administrator.
 
The aim was to secure a fit for purpose programme for the future of the neonatal workforce, with the intention of standardisation across the network, for transferability nationally and to provide value for money. 
 
Mapping of other QIS programmes and key documents were adopted to underpin this programme:
  • Career, Education and Competency Framework (RCN)
  • Matching Knowledge and Skills for QIS Neonatal Nurses: A core syllabus for clinical competency documents (BAPM)
 
This programme offers an alternative to the traditional Higher Education Institution model using a hybrid approach. This encompasses specialist teaching from the Trusts within the network and accreditation from a university. Collaboration with specialist nurses, AHPs, ANNPs and medics give this programme a holistic and high-quality element.

Feedback


‘Overall, 87% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they found it easy to transfer their learning from the neonatal QIS course to their role. This agreement was highest within Thames Valley and Wessex ODN at 94%. It is worth noting that this ODN has a unique hybrid model of QIS training, where teaching is delivered directly by trusts and is accredited by a university.’

​- Neonatal Qualified in Specialty (QIS) Education and Training Review, HEE, 2021

​“This session gave me more confidence to attend crash calls”
 
“Clear and precise information. Very relevant to practice”
 
"Easy to understand, good knowledge and good relevance to practice"
 
"Although there are some differences between the units, the processes are the same, relevant to practice and easy to understand and follow the admission process"
 
"Really enjoyed the sims and learnt a great deal"
 
"Brill loved it"

​"Really liked the workshops as they are hands on and was able to ask more questions during each session. They were all great and the teachers leading the groups were really knowledgeable’

"Case studies very good to help in real life situations - puts everything together"
 
“Knowledge has improved so much and I’m more confident – other colleagues are commenting”
 
“Enjoyed the course and very lucky, amazing speakers, privileged”
 
“Self confidence in different situations has come from the studies”
 
“More confident, can see a huge difference from start to finish”
“Enthusiasm and motivation from Susi and Lindsey kept the students going and kept them engaged”
“Placement has been a very useful opportunity to see what happens in other units, good experience”
“Made me realise I love neonates, and this is what I want to do”