La Trobe University has further cemented its reputation as a leader in world-class rural health education, with the opening of a new nursing and midwifery clinical simulation suite at its Mildura campus.
This $4.97 million investment is an extension of Mildura's Brian Grogan building and has doubled the capacity of the campus' Rural Health School to accommodate student growth. It features two separate state-of-the-art clinical laboratories, each comprising four beds, along with dedicated areas for students and teaching to enrich the campus experience.
The new space is officially named the Dr Deb Neal Wing, in recognition of La Trobe Mildura's first ever employee, who commenced with the University in 1991. Dr Neal served as Head of Campus between 2013 and 2022 and was instrumental in the campus' progression for more than three decades.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the development was a testament to the University's commitment to providing the highest quality education for nursing and midwifery students.
"These new facilities will give Mildura students the best possible start in their careers, allowing them to learn in an environment that closely resembles a hospital or other clinical setting," Professor Farrell said.
"It is imperative that we strengthen local health education and prepare students for the workforce as latest figures, from the Nursing Supply and Demand study, reveal an estimated shortage of more than 79,000 nurses by 2035."
Students who study in regional areas are more likely to practice in those communities, alleviating health workforce shortages that are gripping the nation.
La Trobe's Mildura campus is integral to the local workforce, with 86 per cent of students staying and working in the region upon graduation.
Professor Jane Mills, Dean of La Trobe's Rural Health School - Australia's largest rural health school -, said the new infrastructure would support student development and provide an immersive learning environment that closely mirrored real-world clinical settings.
"Our students will benefit from hands-on training, enabling them to acquire job-ready skills while being supported by our skilled and passionate teaching staff," Professor Mills said.
"This authentic approach enhances employability and equips our future healthcare professionals with the confidence to excel in their roles and make a difference in the workforce."
Pyper Dalla Santa, Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery student, said the new wing would help herself and peers to refine their skills.
"The new space will enable me to apply my clinical skills and critical thinking in a practical setting, which will increase my confidence during placement and after graduation," Pyper said.
Inspired by several nurses in her family, second-year Bachelor of Nursing student Amy Green has been eager to visit the new facility.
"I'm very excited to start utilising the new nursing labs. We are privileged to have access to modern and functional learning spaces," Amy said.
"I truly cannot imagine myself studying anywhere else. Having a campus locally means I can study my dream degree while living and contributing to my hometown."
Sandy Connor, Mildura's Head of Campus, reflected on La Trobe's strengths in teaching and research innovation in health. She said the Bachelor of Nursing degree remained the most popular course at the Mildura campus.
"We are dedicated to collaborating with our health partners to create more placement opportunities and provide robust support for our students throughout their practical training," Sandy said.
"Together, we are building the health workforce of the future."
PHOTO: Dr Deb Neal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell officially open the Dr Deb Neal Wing, an expansion of the Brian Grogan Building at the Mildura campus.
