Associate dean undergraduate practice education, Dr. Zahra Shajani and dean Sandra Davidson at the NHS book launch event held at Westminster Abbey in London, UK.
Sept. 29, 2023
UCalgary Nursing’s progress acknowledged internationally in commemorative British book
U.K.'s National Health Service reached out to faculty for inclusion in anniversary publication
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).
Sign up for UToday
Delivered to your inbox — a daily roundup of news and events from across the University of Calgary's 14 faculties and dozens of units
Thank you for your submission.
Collection of personal information
Your personal information is collected under the authority of
section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and is required for updating your
email subscription preferences. If you have any questions about the collection or use of this information,
please visit our Access to Information page.