9 August 2019: The South East NSW Health Collaborative project celebrated the start of construction of its clinical health training facilities with a groundbreaking ceremony at the Cooma Hospital and Health Services today.
The centre marks the first of three facilities in Cooma, Bega and Moruya to increase training capability and research in nursing, midwifery, allied health and medicine.
The joint venture between the University of Canberra and the Australian National University has received nearly $8 million in federal funding. The project will make important inroads into the issue of accessibility to healthcare in regional areas, as well as offer amazing potential for collaboration, bridge building and professional development between health service staff and the universities.
“We’re very excited to be collaborating with ANU and local hospitals on this project, in order to improve training, research and healthcare delivery in these regions,” said Professor Deep Saini, UC Vice-Chancellor and President.
“Students and healthcare professionals from the universities will be able to engage with the local health workforce in a supportive, meaningful exchange of knowledge and skills that will simultaneously benefit the regional community and open up amazing opportunities for research.”
“ANU is a university that offers solutions and improves the lives of people in local communities all over the world. This important collaboration with UC, and the Cooma Hospital and community is another example of this,” said Professor Imogen Mitchell, Director of the ANU Medical School.
“This vital partnership will see ANU medical students learn from high-quality frontline health services in Cooma and creates a cohort of graduates who understand the importance and value of working in our rural, remote and regional communities. We are looking forward to a new and exciting chapter working with UC and the Cooma community to deliver excellence in student teaching and experience.”
The project will provide invaluable opportunities for students and professionals to immerse themselves in rural healthcare. The well-appointed facility will include simulated learning spaces outfitted with state-of-the-art communications infrastructure, seminar spaces and student accommodation.
The South East NSW Health Collaborative facilities are expected to see completion in late March 2020.
WHAT: Groundbreaking ceremony for South East NSW Health Collaborative facilities
WHEN: 10am sharp, Friday 9 August
WHO:
- UC Vice-Chancellor and President Deep Saini
- Executive Dean of the UC Faculty of Health Professor Michelle Lincoln
- Director of the ANU Medical School Professor Imogen Mitchell
- Associate Dean of Rural and Indigenous Health and Head, Rural Clinical School Associate Professor Malcolm Moore
WHERE: Cooma Hospital and Health Services, Bent Street, Cooma New South Wales 2630
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Suzanne Lazaroo, Communications Officer,
0409 140 415 or suzanne.lazaroo@canberra.edu.au