State-of-the-art health teaching facility unveiled
State-of-the-art simulated hospital wards that will give students a leading edge in their medical training will be unveiled at the University of Newcastle Central Coast campus today.
The purpose-built health skills laboratory features two five-bed hospital wards including preparation areas and a tutorial room. The laboratory will be used by nursing and health sciences students as part of their clinical training.
Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Health, Professor Mike Calford, said the new facilities would provide a huge boost to student training.
"The new health skills laboratory is wonderful. With its electronic beds, oxygen outlets and emergency call buttons, it is just like walking into a real working hospital.
"Previously our students had to travel to Gosford Hospital. Now they have their own dedicated clinical teaching space on campus, which is a real boost to their study experience."
The new facility was funded as part of the University's annual capital expenditure program, including $320,000 for the fit-out of the laboratory and equipment.
The health skills laboratory will also soon be home to a dedicated SimMan, a realistic plastic manikin simulator. SimMan allows students to practice and gain skills in life-like scenarios that will equip them with the knowledge needed to handle real emergencies in the future.
Professor Calford said the new laboratory builds on the considerable investment made by the University in establishing top-class health teaching facilities.
"In recent years we have opened a range of purpose-built health training facilities at the Central Coast campus, including a podiatry laboratory and an oral health clinic. In addition we have recently created a new health sciences precinct.
"These facilities are cementing the University of Newcastle's reputation as a leader in health and medical sciences training. They also demonstrate our commitment to strengthening the health presence on campus."
Photo opportunity: Today, Wednesday 5 March, at 11.30am in the health skills laboratory located on the ground floor of the Administration Building.
Head through the front glass doors and continue through the second set of glass doors. The health skills laboratory is located in the rear wing.
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