Cutting edge clinical facilities open at Flinders University

Students interested in pursuing a career in nursing and midwifery will benefit from the opening of the latest clinical laboratories at Flinders University.

The Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, today welcomed the opening of the $5.8 million laboratories by the Member for Kingston, Amanda Rishworth MP.

The Australian Government has provided $8.9 million to Flinders University for projects through the Better Universities Renewal Funding (BURF) initiative, including $1.8 million for the new nursing and midwifery laboratories.

“The Government’s investment will allow the University to expand training opportunities for nursing and midwifery students, putting them at the cutting edge,” Senator Evans said.

Flinders University is one of 41 Australian universities to have received funds from the $500 million BURF initiative.

Announced in 2008, the program provided universities immediate access to funding for renewing infrastructure to improve teaching and learning, research and students' overall higher education experience.

“A strong higher education sector is integral to creating a skilled Australia, ready for the challenges of a modern economy,” Senator Evans said.

“One of the best investments a government can make to boosting productivity is investing in education.”

In opening the laboratories, Ms Rishworth said the facility would provide a vital clinical simulation training facility for future nursing and midwifery professionals.

“Combined with classroom theory and clinical practice, clinical simulation in the laboratories will play a critical role in educating and equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge needed before stepping out into our hospital wards,” Ms Rishworth said.

The new nursing and midwifery laboratories comprise three teaching rooms, two nursing laboratories, one midwifery laboratory and one science laboratory.

More information on the BURF initiative can be found at http://www.deewr.gov.au/HigherEducation/Programs/BURF/Pages/default.aspx