The University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Central Coast Research Institute was officially opened today by the Hon Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister of Australia.
The new building, which was made possible through a funding partnership between the Federal and NSW Governments, and the University of Newcastle, will educate and train the region's future doctors, nurses and midwives, as well as support translational research into new models of integrated care through the Central Coast Research Institute.
Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the new University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School meant that local students no longer had to leave for Sydney or Newcastle to study medicine because they could do so right in the heart of Gosford.
"The University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute is the culmination of years of collaboration, hard work and dedication to see more opportunities for local residents through a world-class university campus where health, education and research will come together," Ms Wicks said.
The building is located on Holden Street in the Gosford Hospital precinct. It features more than 200 rooms and breakout areas, including: nine lecture and seminar rooms; 15 learning suites, consultation, training and teaching rooms; a co-staffed LHD/University library; six problem-based learning areas; three simulation wards; one simulation laboratory and a research laboratory.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and State Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the NSW Government was proud to partner with the Federal Government and University of Newcastle as part of the $72.5 million investment into the Central Coast region.
"The University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Central Coast Research Institute provides a unique and exciting opportunity for students to be able to walk across the road and receive on the ground experience, relating to their industry. This is just the start of what's to come for our region, I look forward to seeing continual growth for all industries across the Central Coast," Mr Crouch said.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky, AO said the university was very proud of its role in bringing the new facilities to life as part of its partnership with the Australian Government and NSW Health.
"Our University has had a long commitment to the Central Coast through our Ourimbah campus and today's opening in Gosford represents the next phase of our commitment.
"People on the Central Coast should absolutely have the same expectations as people in Sydney of being able to access world-class university education on their doorstep. We want the Year 12 students on the Coast looking over here from their high schools and thinking 'I'm going to study there next year."
"The completion of the University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Central Coast Research Institute supports our University's vision for an integrated multi-campus program that meets the needs of the growing Central Coast community now and into the future.
"It's exciting for students and will see them get invaluable experience in clinical settings through the enduring partnership between our University and Local Health District clinical experts," Professor Zelinsky said.
Central Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Scott McLachlan said the official opening of the University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute represented a real landmark moment in realising a healthy and vibrant future for the Central Coast.
"It's built on a shared vision to transform our region into a world-leader in healthcare, education, research and innovation.
"Our future doctors and nurses will learn under the same roof as leading health researchers, and on the doorstep of Gosford Hospital. Meanwhile, our researchers will have a hub from which to develop new models of integrated care that are focused on providing better patient experiences and enable people to live healthier lives.
"It's a really exciting time for the Coast, and you only have to walk around this impressive building to feel a real buzz of energy about the place already," Mr McLachlan said.
The $72.5 million University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Central Coast Research Institute was competed in partnership with the Federal and NSW Governments and the University of Newcastle.
Located on the grounds of Gosford Hospital
The University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School is committed to providing world class education and research. Located on the grounds of the Gosford Hospital, the clinical school has a long-standing relationship with the Central Coast Local Health District. Its location and facilities afford students a diverse clinical experience with access to placements in both Gosford and Wyong hospitals, as well as a number of smaller public and private facilities.
The Central Coast Research Institute
The Central Coast Research Institute is co-located with the University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School. The Institute's purpose is to undertake research into new models of integrated care as a means to improve people's health and wellbeing. By bringing together health professionals, clinicians, leading academics the Institute will provide the opportunity to collaborate and work on matters that are going to be benefit the community.
Connection to Country
As a place of learning and teaching, the University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Central Coast Research Institute celebrates the strong connection between the Darkinyung (Darkinjung) community and the region.
As part of the project, we worked closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists living on Darkinyung (Darkinjung) country to produce 74 unique artworks that now have proudly taken their place displayed inside and outside of the facility. In addition, the project sought permission from Darkinyung (Darkinjung) Elders to use the language of the peoples where the building stands to describe the use of the spaces within the building.
Fast facts
The University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School provides 850 places for students to complete their medicine, nursing and midwifery degrees, including:
- More than 200 medical students
- More than 600 nursing students
- Around 20 graduate and postgraduate midwifery students
- PhD students
The joint investment of $72.5 million included:
- Australian Government – $32.5m
- The NSW Government – $20m
- The University of Newcastle – $20m
In addition, the Australian Government provided $12.5m of transitional funding through the Department of Education and Training to help establish the new medical and clinical schools with a strong academic program.
- The facility is built over 9,515 square metres
- The building features six floors of education, research, and retail space
- More than 100 rooms/breakout areas, including learning suites, simulation wards, lecture rooms, research laboratories and a simulation laboratory.
- Specialty spaces include an onsite library and resource hub, and an Interprofessional Learning Suite set up for clinical teaching and assessment.
