Clinical Development Units (Nursing): The western Sydney approach

On 24 September 1997 Western Sydney Area Health Service and the University of Western Sydney, Nepean (Australia) launched a network of nine Clinical D evelopment Units (Nursing). The approach taken towards the development of C DU(N)s in western Sydney differs substantially from those taken elsewhere i n terms of preparation for CDU(N) leadership and the role of CDU(N) criteri a in the designation ('accreditation') process. The rationale underpinning the western Sydney approach, together with details of a leadership preparat ion programme, are discussed.