Education and research precinct at new Children’s Hospital
An exciting education and research space will be part of the new Monash Children’s Hospital at Clayton.
Monash University has committed $6 million to enable it to occupy around 750m2 of space in the precinct to support teaching, clinical research and administration of paediatric programs at one of Australia’s largest children’s hospitals.
Professor Nick Freezer, Head of Paediatrics, said a prominent Monash University presence in the Monash Children’s Hospital (MCH) was vital for connecting clinical care, research and education.
The funding will enable construction and equipping of multidisciplinary clinical education and research facilities featuring the latest in information technology, telecommunications and video conferencing capability for student education and clinical meetings.
“Our medical students and clinical staff will have access to live webcasts from the MCH operating theatres to view surgical procedures in real time,” said Professor Freezer.
Data relating to patient monitoring, anaesthesia and diagnostic imaging will also be viewed, fostering interdisciplinary discussion and learning.
In addition to the education and research space, a state-of-the-art Patient Safety Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre will be built at the new MCH, providing a unique opportunity for staff and students to practice their clinical skills.
“The Centre will replicate a hospital emergency department resuscitation bay and will be equipped with computerised infant and child manikins,” Professor Freezer said.
Operated by Monash Health and Monash University staff, the Centre will provide essential education for clinical staff and postgraduate students.
“By collocating clinical education and research space with the academic headquarters of the new hospital, the new Education and Research Precinct will facilitate the expansion of current educational and research programs,” Professor Freezer said.
It is anticipated that each year 600 students will participate in clinical education and more than 200 clinicians will move through the new precinct for education, training and research purposes.
Professor Freezer plans to strengthen academic paediatrics at MCH over the next few years and has started recruiting additional key academic appointments to support research growth.