Unique $1.3M mobile training centre revolutionises health care delivery in rural NSW
Date:
Mon, 20/08/2012
Spokesperson:
NSW Minister for Health, Minister for Medical Research, The Hon Jillian Skinner MP
A $1.3 million mobile simulation centre officially launched today by the Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner, will revolutionise the way clinical training is delivered in regional and remote areas of NSW.
Named after nursing legend Sister Alison Bush AO, the education centre on wheels is unique in Australia and possibly the world.
The 19 metre long semi-trailer and prime mover will be difficult to miss when it takes to the roads of country NSW next month decorated with distinctive artworks by renowned Australian artists Jack Absolom and Pro Hart and photographer John Dynon (see accompanying images).
Inside, the simulation centre is equipped with world-class training equipment worth more than $300,000 including a simulated man, woman and baby and various simulated body parts. The internal areas are interchangeable and can be used as a ward, emergency department, debriefing or lecture area and separate control room.
“This is a truly exciting project that will deliver education and hands-on training to health staff of Far West and Western NSW Local Health Districts – a geographical area covering more than half the state,” Mrs Skinner said.
“The Sister Alison Bush AO Mobile Simulation Centre heralds a milestone in health care training in NSW,” Minister Skinner said.
She said the mobile simulation centre is the result of an effective partnership between metropolitan and rural NSW.
Sister Alison Bush AO was one of the state’s longest serving and most influential midwives.
In 1999, Sister Bush became an Officer of the Order of Australia and in 2002 she received the Centenary of Federation medal.
In 2009, she was honoured at the NSW Aboriginal Health Awards for her work in improving the lives of Indigenous Australians and was also selected as a nominee for NSW Woman of the Year.
Sister Bush died in 2010 at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital - her workplace and “second
home” since 1969.
“The Sister Bush AO Mobile Simulation Centre is a fitting tribute to Sister Bush, a passionate educator who dedicated her life to improving the lives of others,” Ms Skinner said.
The mobile simulation centre will be based in Dubbo and every 20 weeks will complete its travel route, visiting the towns of Dubbo, Mudgee, Bathurst, Cowra, Canowindra, Parkes, Forbes, Condobolin, Balranald, Wentworth, Broken Hill, Cobar, Nyngan, Bourke, Walgett, Coonabarabran, Warren, Narromine.
Training will cover a variety of health care scenarios and nurse educators from across the LHDs will lead training sessions which will incorporate medical, allied health and nursing staff in a variety of inter-professional training scenarios.
An initiative of the Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), the mobile simulation centre was funded by SLHD and NSW Health. The Centre for Rural and Remote Education, part of Western NSW Local Health District, purchased the internal training equipment and the artwork was donated by the artists and photographer whose work adorns the bus.
SLHD officially handed over the Sister Alison Bush AO Mobile Simulation Centre to the Health Education and Training Institute today at a ceremony held at the Centre for Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) at Rozelle.
MEDIA: Samantha Day – 0417 617 056
