Aberystwyth University will invest in a “significant refurbishment” of a site opposite Bronglais Hospital as a base for nursing education.

The Cambrian News revealed last week that Aberystwyth University is to run nursing courses for the first time, after new healthcare investment plans were given the go-ahead.

Health Education and Improvement Wales awarded the contract to Aberystwyth University to train adult and mental health nurses until the end of this decade.

The first nursing students will arrive at Aberystwyth University in September 2022, and the institution told the Cambrian News this week that investment will be made to provide a base for the exciting new venture.

A university spokesperson said: “Nursing education will be provided in the healthcare education centre opposite Bronglais hospital.

“The university now plans to invest in a significant refurbishment of the site following the successful contract award this week.”

The news of nursing education returning to the county was welcomed by Ceredigion MS Elin Jones, who said the announcement had “made her day”.

“This is excellent news and shows the university working to support local community health needs and follows on from the University’s role in medical training alongside Cardiff University,” Ms Jones said.

“I’ve long advocated the need to return nurse training to Ceredigion.”

Aberystwyth University vice-chancellor Prof Elizabeth Treasure said it was “excellent and exciting news for everyone here in Aberystwyth.

““Our plans will also make an important contribution to enhancing mental health and Welsh-medium provision locally and beyond.

“It will benefit the local recruitment and retention of nurses, as well as the potential to inspire new models of healthcare delivery which will be of benefit to everyone.”

The proposals to establish nursing education were developed by the university in co-operation with a number of partners including health boards, service users and carers.

Students will be able to apply for 2022 places on the university’s BSc Adult Nursing and BSc Mental Health Nursing degrees from autumn this year.