Implementing a Virtual Exchange Project for student nurses in Queensland and Nottingham.

This paper discusses the design and initial progress made with a virtual learning environment to help student nurses develop an understanding of cultural awareness and globalization. Using a Web-based application the Virtual Exchange Project was designed to facilitate study-elsewhere experiences located in the student's own setting. Promotion of the United Nations' Millennium Development goals provided an opportunity for student nurses to explore changes in global health and disease patterns, nursing education and systems of nurse regulation in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Physical activity and learning disability.

The inclusion of people with learning disabilities in sporting activities promotes a number of positive outcomes. These may include opportunities for social inclusion, the creation of positive role models for other people with learning disabilities, the opportunity to present people with learning disabilities in valued social roles to a global community, sharing of common interests and experiences, and social and competitive rewards. There is also the potential for positive physical and mental health outcomes.

Issues emerging from the London Learning Disability Plan.

This article gives an overview of the draft of the London Learning Disability Plan developed by the Department of Health, Social Services Inspectorate and the National Health Service Executive. The London Plan is founded on a social model of disability in which there is not only a strong focus on health and social care, but also an integration with housing, education, employment, leisure and other relevant organizations. It advocates integrated commissioning and delivery of specialist learning disability services that will require both health services and nurses to change existing structures and interventions.

Implementing TQM in a college of nursing and midwifery.

This article describes the key structures, processes and principles that have been used by the Mid Trent College to implement total quality management and examines some of the staff reactions to the implementation.

Student perceptions of total quality.

The authors report how a college has attempted to gauge the perception of its 'consumers' on the quality of service they are providing. Using the results of a questionnaire survey of its students, the college is now able to incorporate the students' views into its total quality management initiatives.