A state-of-the-art simulation suite at Flinders University's City Campus will enhance patient care and strengthen the health workforce by delivering advanced training for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.
The facility simulates hospital, aged care and community health settings - exposing students to life-like patient care scenarios.
Spanning 500 square metres, the space features large clinical labs with 14 hospital beds and training for students in low to high-risk clinical scenarios, using advanced manikins.
It also includes technology where training is monitored by Flinders educators providing real-time guidance in a hospital setting.
Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Colin Stirling said the new facility was another example of Flinders' world-leading innovation in health education, research and care.
Flinders has just been ranked number 2 in the world for Good Health and Wellbeing, in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings.
"This new simulation suite demonstrates our commitment to quality healthcare education - ensuring our students are ready for real-world jobs and go on to have a positive impact in the community," Professor Stirling said.
"Our investment in facilities like this are an investment in the future of healthcare in South Australia and the nation."
The simulation suite has been named in honour of the late Dr Joan Durdin AM – a pioneer in South Australian nursing education at Flinders.
Professor Colin Stirling was joined by members of Dr Durdin's family and Minister for Human Services Katrine Hildyard MP at the official opening.
"Throughout her life, Dr Durdin championed the idea that education changes lives and that better prepared health professionals lead to better care, which is why it's fitting that the new simulation suite is named in her honour," Professor Stirling said.
"We are paying tribute to her important legacy."
Located on the 6th floor of the Flinders City Campus, near the Royal Adelaide and Women's and Children's hospitals, the suite strengthens students' connections with the city health precinct.
Minister for Health Blair Boyer MP said the simulation suite will be an invaluable tool in preparing our future healthcare workers to provide the best possible care to South Australians.
"As the former South Australian Education, Training and Skills Minister, I know the importance of providing quality training that students can apply to real-life scenarios. As the new Health Minister, I'm pleased our future nurses, midwives and allied health professionals will be well prepared for challenges they may face in hospital and aged care settings."
Hi-tech training like this will also be a feature of the $300 million Flinders HealthCARE Centre to be built at Bedford Park – a significant step in the transformation of public healthcare delivery in South Australia.
Co-funded equally by the Australian Government and Flinders University, the 10-storey centre will deliver an additional 10,000 allied health appointments for members of the community – and graduate an additional 1,300 healthcare workers – each year.
