Innovative alliance to train next generation of health workers

The Northern NSW Academic Health Alliance, comprised of Griffith University, Southern Cross University, Bond University and TAFE NSW will deliver an integrated clinical training and collaborative research hub at the new Tweed Valley Hospital.

Pro Vice Chancellor of Health at Griffith University Professor Analise O’Donovan said the alliance will provide a great opportunity for students to get involved in a vibrant and innovative learning culture.

“It will be a culture based on multidisciplinary health education, training and research to deliver health education of the highest quality to current and future clinicians and researchers,” Professor O’Donovan said.

Vice President (Engagement) at Southern Cross University Mr Ben Roche said that the Alliance was a unique partnership with common goals.

“By harnessing our collective strengths, we can offer world-class facilities and training for students and pursue research that has impact nationally and globally. There is a clear and long-term benefit for our institutions and our communities,” Mr Roche said.

Bond University’s Executive Dean of Health Sciences & Medicine, Professor Nick Zwar said the Alliance partners provided collective expertise in research, education and training across a wide range of health disciplines.

“The most important asset of any healthcare organisation is its people. Healthcare workers need to be skilled and knowledgeable, but also adaptable and engaged in lifelong learning. This Alliance provides another drawcard to attract and retain health staff in the region, with the added benefit of on-site education and 21^st century training facilities,” Professor Zwar said.

TAFE NSW Executive Director Jason Darney said TAFE NSW is proud to join this Alliance and bring its expertise in co-designing and co-delivering highly flexible education programs that integrate research-led learning with advanced technical and industry-based skills.

“Through this innovative collaboration with education providers, the local community will benefit from a pipeline of skilled healthcare workers  and increased capacity to provide quality, patient-centred care,” Mr Darney said.

Northern NSW Local Health District Executive Director Medical Services, Dr Tim Williams, said the Alliance creates an exciting new model for healthcare innovation and collaboration that will deliver health education of the highest quality to current and future clinicians and researchers, tailored specifically to regional health needs.

“Together, these partners will create multidisciplinary health education, training and research programs which will rapidly develop Northern NSW’s health workforce in emerging and high-demand skill areas such as nursing, midwifery, allied health and medicine,” Dr Williams said.

Based in the Tweed Valley Hospital Learning, Development and Research building, the Northern NSW Academic Alliance’s integrated clinical training and collaborative research centre will provide students and researchers with access to purpose-built education, training, simulation, and library facilities and on-site clinical supervisors.

It will open in late December 2023.