On the road: SCU takes the classroom out to rural students

Southern Cross University will be taking the classroom out to health students in regional and remote New South Wales, following the completion of a state-of-the-art mobile health facility housed in a semi-trailer.

The Southern Cross University mobile Learning and Research Facility was officially launched today by the federal Member for Page Janelle Saffin MP at the Lismore campus. Guests were welcomed by Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee.

The truck, built with a federal government clinical training grant worth $1.4 million, has expanding side capsules and includes a classroom, health simulation equipment, two stretchers, a patient care chair and an infant cot.

Head of Southern Cross University’s School of Health and Human Sciences, Professor Iain Graham, said the facility would lead to greater opportunities for Indigenous students in regional and remote locations.

"We are committed to increasing access to higher education for regional students, and we know that students who undertake their placements in rural and remote locations are more likely to gain permanent employment in these areas,” Professor Graham said.

“This mobile facility will support the education of students in our health degrees, including midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy and other new courses as they come on line. It will allow us to provide infrastructure, on site, in regional and remote locations to assist with placement orientation, debriefing and simulation experiences.

“This simulation environment will give students experience in less frequent but important clinical procedures, such as advanced paediatric life support.”

Professor Graham said the facility would also be made available to existing health professionals in these remote locations in order to support continuing professional development.

The trailer is fully independent with internal power from a generator and on-board water and waste storage. It has the capacity to send and receive data to and from external sources such as the University campus or hospital. It can be set up and packed away by a single operator and is fully wheelchair accessible.

In addition to the semi-trailer, Southern Cross University has also received funding of $2.8 million for clinical teacher support and development from Health Workforce Australia, as well as more than $600,000 to build an accommodation trailer which will support the use of the mobile learning and research unit. It will include self-contained living facilities, secure bedrooms and common areas for up to 12 people.

Federal Member for Page Janelle Saffin MP said she was delighted to be opening a facility that would improve health services.

“When the University approached me about the project, I was pleased to be able lobby successfully for the Government funding for this state-of-the-art mobile facility,” Ms Saffin said.

“This will benefit not only students but also existing health professionals in remote areas and of course their patients.

“By investing in rural health education the Government is making a strong commitment to the future of our health services.”

Photo: Head of SCU's School of Health and Human Sciences Professor Iain Graham assesses a 'patient' assisted by federal member for Page Janelle Saffin MP.