The Northern NSW Academic Health Alliance, of which Bond University is a founding member, has unveiled a state-of-the-art training hub at the new $723 million Tweed Valley Hospital.
Students are set to benefit from the custom-built learning environment, with Bond medical and allied health students already on placements at the new hospital.
The training hub also facilitates integrated research and collaborative projects between the alliance’s four education institutions: Bond University, Griffith University, Southern Cross University and TAFE NSW.
Bond University’s Executive Dean of Health Sciences and Medicine, Professor Nick Zwar said the advantages of being located in a new hospital were clear.
“Students will be undertaking placements with clinicians who are operating at the cutting edge of medicine and with the latest medical technology. They’ll have access to the absolute best training experiences,” Professor Zwar said.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Education Impact) at Southern Cross University, Ben Roche said that the Alliance was perfectly placed to undertake research of local and national significance.
“Being regionally located is a distinct advantage as we have direct access to our communities and what they need. We’re excited by the possibilities,” Mr Roche said.
Professor Analise O’Donovan, Pro Vice Chancellor of Health at Griffith University said: “Together, we can unite all of our resources and provide a much richer opportunity for our students who will get to learn in a world-class facility paving the way for the next generation of the workforce.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said TAFE NSW will bring its expertise in co-designing and co-delivering flexible education programs that integrate research-led learning with advanced technical and industry-based skills.
“This collaboration between education providers means the local community will benefit from a pipeline of skilled healthcare workers and increased capacity to provide quality, patient-centred care,” Mr Whan said.
The Tweed Valley Hospital opened to patients on 14 May 2024. NSW Premier, Chris Minns formally opened the new hospital campus this week.