Plans to merge Dundee University’s dental and nursing schools put on hold
Announcement made after the sudden resignation of the university's principal.
Plans by the University of Dundee to merge its dental and nursing schools, revealed last week, have been put on hold.
Dundee’s school of dentistry has operated as a unique academic department since it was founded in 1916. But university management had put forward proposals to amalgamate it with its nursing department, known as the school of health sciences.
The amalgamation represented a major shake-up in campus organisation, which insiders said was being done as a cost-saving measure. The university – which is facing a £30 million funding deficit – insisted the change was primarily for academic reasons.
We are reviewing feedback from staff and students and taking time to reflect in light of the resignation of the principal.
University spokesperson
Professor Shane O’Neill, university principal, said the two schools already worked closely, particularly in the area of research. “As health-focused schools, there is also a shared culture and ethos that gives a firm foundation for bringing them together.
“A merger has the potential to deliver economies of scale and to increase visibility, resilience and impact of dentistry and health sciences beyond that possible for the two schools separately, which are currently the smallest in the university. While the proposal is driven by academic considerations, there is also considerable potential for better effectiveness and more efficiencies in terms of resources, including finance.”
But last Friday it was announced that Professor O’Neill had resigned “with immediate effect” and on Monday it was reported that the merger plans had been put on hold.
A university spokesperson said: “Following announcement of the proposed merger of the Schools of Dentistry and Health Sciences, we are reviewing feedback from staff and students and also taking time to pause and reflect in light of the resignation of the principal. We will update staff and students in both schools in due course.”
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