A state-of-the-art clinical skills training facilities has opened at the University of Winchester.

Vice-chancellor professor Sarah Greer was joined by NHS staff, the Mayor of Winchester and other dignitaries to open the West Downs Centre.

The new facility will support the fast-growing nursing courses at the university.

The centre, which will be used by around 380 student nurses currently studying at the university, comprises a two five-bed simulation hospital ward units with hi-tech medical mannequins and an active living centre, set up like a flat with kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. There is also a therapy room, a simulated GP surgery and classroom spaces.

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At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Professor Greer was joined by Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, one of a number of NHS providers that the university partners with.

Hampshire Chronicle: ): Mary Edwards (Chair, Board of Governors, University of Winchester); Natasha Evans; Cyzel Gomes; Professor Sarah Greer; Councillor Vivian Achwal, Mayor of Winchester; Alex Whitfield; Lolu Aburime, and Professor Simon Jobson (Dean of the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing).): Mary Edwards (Chair, Board of Governors, University of Winchester); Natasha Evans; Cyzel Gomes; Professor Sarah Greer; Councillor Vivian Achwal, Mayor of Winchester; Alex Whitfield; Lolu Aburime, and Professor Simon Jobson (Dean of the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing).

Student nurses and staff then showed guests - which included NHS partners and stakeholders - around the facilities.

Prof Greer said: "These flagship clinical facilities present huge opportunities and possibilities. Not least, they place the university in a fantastic position to help meet the healthcare challenges of the future.

"The NHS is suffering from a skills shortage, with vacancies across the NHS in England at a record high. We are working with a range of NHS partners and providers to help secure the next generation of healthcare professionals in the region and ultimately provide outstanding care. These facilities will go some way to bridging that gap and helping produce the skilled workforce that the health sector is lacking.

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"We are developing our curriculum with an exciting range of new courses to further boost teaching in this important area, with a new midwifery degree programme launching in 2023."

Simon Jobson, dean of the university's faculty of health and wellbeing said: "Everything within this outstanding training facility is geared towards preparing our student nurses for successful careers. As with the excellent education they receive at the university, the new facilities will help them develop the clinical skills they will need in real-life settings and become values-driven, compassionate nurses.

Hampshire Chronicle: University of Winchester clinical skills facilities ribbon cutting ceremony

"Students will gain invaluable experience in delivering high-quality patient care that's as real to life as possible, whilst in a safe and stimulating environment where they can practice their essential nursing skills, learn to work with each other and gain confidence."

The University of Winchester teaches four nursing degree programmes focusing on adult, child, mental health and learning disabilities qualifications.

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