PEeP is an evidence based online placement model which allows students to meet their practice learning proficiencies. The project, funded by NHS England, involved the rollout of PEeP across five university partners (University of West London, Buckinghamshire New University, Brunel University London, Kingston University and King’s College London) and three mental health practice learning providers (West London NHS Trust, Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust and South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust).

All university partners developed individual hybrid versions of the PEeP, with a combination of face-to-face and online placement days. At UWL, the project was delivered by the College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare (CNMH) Mental Health Team to first year Mental Health students prior to their first clinical practice placement.

The project aimed to address the reduction in placement capacity, enhance mental health knowledge and skills, and improve student readiness for practice. PEeP was successfully delivered across the five university partners for 136 students, resulting in a 95% satisfaction rate with 100% of students acknowledging that it had enhanced their knowledge and skills. The programme had a significant impact in increasing placement capacity for students whilst also providing clinical staff with periods of respite and reflection between students.

CNMH staff Alicia Powell (Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing), Dr Peter Sandy (Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead for PGDip in Mental Health Nursing) and Dr Sue Quayle (Head of Practice Education) are integral members of a collaborative steering group with academics across the five universities.

We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Partnership Award, which seeks to recognise the important collaboration between higher education institutions and organisations that provide health and care, with a view to creating a conducive learning environment,”

said Alicia Powell.

Partnerships are a powerful way to bring about improvements, innovations and expanded opportunities for the benefit of students,” 

said Professor Stephen Hagen, Interim Dean of CNMH.

The winners will be announced at the Student Nursing Times Awards ceremony on Friday 26 April at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel.

• Read more about studying at UWL’s College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare