Southern DHB opens dedicated Education Centre

Monday 28 November 2016

Southern DHB opens dedicated Education Centre

Simulation suites, which can be set up to replicate operating theatre or an emergency department resuscitation bay, are a feature of a purpose built education centre opened at Southland Hospital today.

The purpose-built facility will be used for delivering the hospital’s busy training and education schedule for its nursing, medical and allied health staff, as well as students in these professions.

Southern DHB commissioner Kathy Grant says the new education centre is a significant asset for Southland Hospital and the Southern community.

“Increasing knowledge, skills and teamwork is recognized as key to achieving the best possible outcomes for patients,” she says.

“The new centre brings all our training into one location and means we can immerse participants in a realistic environment to make the learning experience more powerful.

“We are very fortunate to have a strong pool of dedicated teachers and educators across all disciplines at Southland Hospital and one of the key briefs for this centre is to cater for inter-professional learning.

The Education Centre includes:

· A dedicated skills lab allows for a range of practical skills such as intravenous therapy;

· Two simulation suites which can be set up to replicate a hospital ward, an operating theatre, an emergency department resuscitation bay and a birthing space, to allow for interactive learning ;

· A consultation room for simulated patient consultations;

· Lecture spaces and meeting rooms with video conferencing facilities for distance learning.

The centre will house the hospital’s existing training equipment including a computer controlled manikin that can be programmed to speak, have pulses, breathe and display real time monitoring. This is used primarily for simulation of emergency scenarios such as cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, trauma, and rapid deterioration from a number of medical conditions.

Previously education and training activities were delivered across a range of locations, both at the hospital and off-site.

ENDS

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