TORONTO - York University and University Health Network (UHN) will partner to create a joint nursing academy, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Friday, May 15.

The York University-UHN Nursing Academy aims to enhance health and quality of life by advancing the knowledge and practice of nursing.

”Our objective is to focus on programs of research that will improve quality of care, patient safety, and help patients and families to direct their health care decisions,” says the Academy’s newly-appointed director, Gail Mitchell, Associate Professor in York’s School of Nursing, part of the university’s Faculty of Health.

“The Academy will mirror the mission of the School of Nursing at York University by creating a culture of caring that fosters learning and the development of human science-based nursing knowledge, research, and practice,” Mitchell says. This also aligns with UHN's mission of exemplary patient care, research, and education.

“This partnership is a dream come true for nurses at UHN. Our nurses highly value opportunities for developing new knowledge, testing innovations and advancing patient-centered practice. These will all be enhanced by the presence of the York-UHN Academy at our Toronto General Hospital site,” says Mary Ferguson-Paré, PhD, Vice-President, Professional Affairs & Chief Nurse Executive, UHN.

The Academy will also focus on professional education, jointly delivering York University programs at UHN, including BSc Nursing clinical placements, and its MSc in Nursing, as well as continuing education and professional development initiatives under York’s Health Leadership and Learning Network.

Mitchell notes these new programs will be evaluated and possibly provide models for other university-hospital partnerships. “Helping to create an exciting and inspiring place to work is an important aspect of the York-UHN Academy,” she says.

The Academy with provide mutual benefits by bringing university faculty and students together with expert practitioners, leaders, and researchers in healthcare settings. It will also offer creative opportunities to harness the power of the arts in research and education.

The Academy will be jointly governed by Harvey Skinner, Dean of York’s Faculty of Health, and by Ferguson-Paré.

Skinner says the partnership is a significant step for York University and the School of Nursing. “UHN is the flagship academic hospital in Canada and internationally. We look forward to working with UHN in being a global leader in research and education on patient-centered care, with major impact on improving the quality of patient care and health outcomes.”