The $72.5M Central Coast Research Institute (CCRI) and University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School (UONCCCS) is on track to welcome its first students in 12 months’ time.
Fly-through vision of the new facility was released this week, offering residents the chance to take a sneak peek at the six-story research and education facility as construction continues.
Located at Gosford Hospital, the facility will house state-of-the-art learning areas including simulation wards and laboratories that will be home to the future of healthcare.
The CCRI and UONCCCS will operate partnerships between the University of Newcastle and the Central Coast Local Health District and will see staff move into the new building from early next year, with students to be welcomed from Semester 2, next august.
It is a joint project being delivered by the State and Federal governments and the University of Newcastle.
Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the building will be home to pioneering research through the CCRI.
“This first for the Central Coast will not only create a centre of excellence in healthcare, research and education right here on the Central Coast, but will also prove to be a huge economic boon for the region,” Wicks said.
“We know that universities can transform local economies like the Central Coast and help drive future job growth and opportunities.”
Researchers will have access to dedicated and collaborative spaces, including specialist anatomy, histology and molecular laboratories and a microbiological physical containment level 2 – or PC2 – lab fit to carry out world-class research.
Spread across four floors, the University of Newcastle’s new clinical school will feature a 100-seat lecture space, seminar rooms, problem-based learning spaces and breakout areas for students and a library.
The building will include three simulation labs and laboratory settings that will expose students to real-life situations they could expect to experience as public health providers when they enter the workforce.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, said the clinical school will strengthen the connection for students between education and healthcare on the Central Coast.
“Through our partnership with the Central Coast Local Health District, we are establishing a framework for practical application of lessons in local clinical settings, developing high-quality health practitioners who are reflective of the public health needs of the community in which they will work,” he said.
Central Coast Local Health District Chief Executive, Andrew Montague, said the facility will carry out world-class research into integrated care and population health, while training the next generation of doctors and nurses.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, Crouch said the relationship between health research and education would create a foundation for the Coast to become a leader in integrated healthcare.
As work on the building’s exterior continues, Wicks announced the appointment of Richard Crookes Construction as the fit-out contractor.
“As we move from the structural phase of construction to the detailed fit-out of the building, the reality of this world-class facility gets closer and I’m pleased that a regional business is continuing its work on this world-class facility,” she said.
Source:
Media release, Aug 26
Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks