UCalgary Nursing’s progress acknowledged internationally in commemorative British book

UCalgary Nursing is becoming more nationally known for health system leadership and innovation, but it was slightly surprising when dean Dr. Sandra Davidson RN, PhD was approached by a publishing house in the U.K. about participating in an international celebration of the 75th anniversary of Britain’s National Health Service (NHS).  

“There were very few post-secondary nursing schools that were invited,” says Davidson about the call she received from St James’s House in June. 

“I believe we are only one of five from North America and the only nursing faculty from Canada who were included in the final version.”

Davidson naturally agreed to contribute to the commemorative publication, 75 Years of the National Health Service, which was launched Sept. 6 at the Cloisters in Westminster Abbey.

“We were nominated by a committee of the History of Parliament Trust with representatives from the House of Commons and the House of Lords for excellence in educating nursing leaders and innovators; you can’t say no to that!

“In the book and at the event, they look ahead to how global health care will need to transform in the future and to be included in a discussion of that is truly exciting and speaks to the reputation UCalgary Nursing is establishing.”

The NHS transformed British health care in 1948 when it created the National Health Service Act on the founding principle that health services should be based on clinical need, not ability to pay. It brought together hospitals, nurses, physicians, pharmacists, opticians and dentists under one umbrella with a great deal of success. That success was recognized at this event: along with the book’s publication, including an e-book, there will be an official documentary produced. 

The e-book can be accessed here (see page 368).