The new centres recently opened their doors to learners and will provide training opportunities for thousands of staff, using the latest technology and replica healthcare facilities.
The adaptable spaces are designed for medical and non-clinical training and house a range of equipment and tech which provides tailored, real-life scenarios for a realistic training environment.
Both centres provide multiple and flexible options including simulation facilities, clinical learning space, adaptable lecture theatre and meeting rooms, online and virtual teaching options, refreshment rooms and offices.
Eldon Court, Newcastle – accommodates 60 education and training staff, with capacity for 200 students. Training options include medical education, including facilities for final year exams, access to a clinical suite containing a working replica of an operating theatre, hospital bays and wards, a nurses’ station and an outpatient area.
Freeman Hospital – accommodates 20 education and training staff, with capacity for 300 students. Contains state-of-the-art simulation and treatment facilities, consultation rooms, ward bays, an IT suite and lecture theatre.
Commenting on the launch of the centres, Dame Jackie Daniel, chief executive of Newcastle Hospitals, said:
“As a leading teaching hospital, with 18,000 staff, we want to ensure the highest standards of learning and education for our large and diverse workforce, who have a wide range of skills and training requirements.
“Alongside high-quality content, we also need to provide the best possible facilities, technology and training environment – a combination which will ensure we continue to provide excellent services and remain at the forefront of exceptional patient care.
“Uniquely across the Newcastle Hospitals estate, which includes the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Freeman Hospital, the Great North Children’s Hospital and Regent Point in Gosforth, every single member of staff will access one or both of the training centres during their time in the organisation.
“Our investment provides contemporary spaces, filled with the latest technology, where we can deliver everything ranging from standard training to complex programmes and courses, some of which are highly specialist.”
“My thanks go to everyone involved in designing and bringing the two centres to life, they’ve done a superb job.”
The centres are expected to provide around 10,000 training opportunities within the first six months of opening, supporting around 500 learners each week from across Newcastle Hospitals.
