Health PULSE collaborative enhances local healthcare

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A group known as Health PULSE says it is making positive strides in cultivating a homegrown healthcare workforce to support the health and well-being of Hastings and Prince Edward communities.

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Health PULSE (Partners United in Local Solutions for Everyone) is a joint, cross-sector initiative designed to tackle local healthcare challenges.

The group is comprised of local leaders from the City of Belleville, City of Quinte West, Hastings County, Prince Edward County, Loyalist College, and Quinte Health. Health PULSE is harnessing the power of local partnerships in meeting growing population needs.

Through this collaboration, Loyalist College introduced the new Medical Radiation Technology (MRT) program, scheduled to welcome its first cohort of 35 students in fall 2024.

This Ontario College Advanced Diploma program was developed in direct response to the needs identified through the Health PULSE initiative, reflecting the significant demand for skilled medical radiation technologists in the Quinte region.

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In addition to the MRT program, Loyalist College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program has reached full enrollment, with 75 students set to begin their studies in fall 2024.

Together, these programs will host a combined total of 110 students eager to embark on careers that make a direct impact on community health.

This year also marks a milestone for Loyalist College, as it graduated its first cohort of 48 BScN students as Registered Nurses, alongside 53 Registered Practical Nurses. Upon graduation, 22 of the Registered Nurse graduates and 26 of the Registered Practical Nurse graduates have already been hired at Quinte Health, demonstrating the immediate impact of this educational initiative on the local healthcare system.

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Dr. Amanda Baskwill, SVP academic at Loyalist College, emphasized the college’s commitment to healthcare education.

“Our focus remains on expanding and enhancing health and wellness education to meet the evolving needs of our community. We are actively developing new programs that will continue to serve these critical areas,” she stated.

Mark Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of Loyalist College, highlighted the practical impact of these efforts. “Our initiatives are directly connected to community needs, ensuring that the solutions we develop through education truly address the local healthcare challenges.”

Quinte Health president and CEO Stacey Daub emphasized the impact of this collaboration and the power of local partnerships.

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“We are thrilled to welcome 48 Loyalist College Nursing graduates to the Quinte Health team,” Daub said. “Our collaboration with Loyalist College has never been more vital, as we work together to enhance local healthcare and foster strong, vibrant communities. Loyalist is establishing itself as a prime institution for training healthcare professionals.”

“The addition of the Medical Radiation Technology program will not only boost Quinte Health’s capability to deliver high[1]quality, advanced diagnostics locally but will also provide exciting career prospects for our community.”

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