New clinical nursing laboratory launched at Port Macquarie Campus
Monday 5th September
The partnership between TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute and the University of Newcastle will take another major step forward with the launching of the new nursing clinical laboratory at Port Macquarie Campus on 6 September, 2005. Mr Geoff Baldry, Director, Educational Programs and Services for the TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute and Professor Nicholas Saunders - Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Newcastle will officiate at the launch.
A number of representatives from the University of Newcastle, the North Coast Institute, Hastings Council and other health care and educational providers will also be present to inspect the new laboratory, which provides nursing students with a simulated acute-care health environment.
“This new clinical nursing laboratory complements the existing Aged Care clinical laboratory”, says Neil Black, Institute Director for the North Coast Institute. Mr Black confirmed that as owner of the building, TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute were able to refurbish the room and fit it out to ensure a first-class simulated learning environment. Professor Nick Saunders, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Newcastle said that he was delighted to take the partnership to this new level. “Through assisting with the purchase of the major equipment for the laboratory, the University of Newcastle has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to building its presence in the Hastings.”
Equipment includes a state-of-the-art ECG machine, electronic blood pressure monitor, oxygen concentrator, resuscitation trolley and intravenous administration devices. Educational staff members from both organisations are extremely positive about the technical level of the new laboratory, saying that it enabled students enrolled in courses like the Certificate III in Aged Care Work, the Bachelor of Nursing degree and the Enrolled Nurse Medication Administration Endorsement Course to get industry relevant technical skills and experience.
“The laboratory emulates a ward in a Health Campus in its configuration, including a nursing station”, says Sharen Marshall, Head Teacher, Nursing at Port Macquarie Campus, “so it helps any nurses who have been previously trained in a hospital environment to do a conversion course more easily.” Senior Lecturer in Nursing and Midwifery, Ms Lyn Bowen adds that the laboratory was valuable for students working either in hospital or aged care facilities because of the opportunity to provide additional simulated workplace learning experiences.
Interview and Photography opportunities
6 September, 2005 at D Block, Port Macquarie Campus
1:15 – 1: 30 pm : Speeches and official launch
Enquiries:
Pat Chipchase, Project Coordinator 65 86 2295
Neil Brown, Manager, Media & PR 65 862224
