University of Roehampton and Croydon University Centre’s £1m nursing suite officially opens
- Monday, October 18, 2021
Senior figures, stakeholders and dignitaries have come together to officially open Croydon University Centre’s new £1million Clinical Simulation Centre*, developed in partnership with the University of Roehampton which will train the next generation of the borough’s nurses.
Caireen Mitchell, Principal and CEO of the Croydon College Group (front left) and Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Roehampton (front right) cut the ribbon to officially open the Clinical Simulation Centre, alongside representatives of both institutions and invited guests. CREDIT: Ally Whitlock Photography
The state-of-the-art facility, which replicates realistic community and in-hospital settings, officially opened on Friday, 15 October with dignitaries from the Croydon College Group, the University of Roehampton, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust and Croydon Council heading to the nursing suite, which is located at Croydon College.
Students enrolled on the University of Roehampton’s BSc Adult Nursing have been using the nursing suite since the new term began on 20 September, benefitting from unrivalled practical training and the opportunity to safely practice clinical skills under the guidance of experienced clinical and academic staff from the University of Roehampton.
During the launch event, guests were given a tour of the nursing suite, which was completed by Croydon fit-out and refurbishment specialists ITC Concepts and includes a six-bed hospital ward, and clinical simulation areas including care home settings and GP surgery rooms.
Caireen Mitchell, Principal and CEO of the Croydon College Group, said: “Friday marked the day we officially achieved our long-held ambition to bring nursing education to the town centre for our local community.
“We’re delighted to have found a fantastic collaborative partner with the University of Roehampton, who share our vision for making higher education accessible to all – but in particular our local community – and to have them supporting and nurturing our students in our Clinical Simulation Centre is wonderful.
“Hearing first-hand from students, we know how well-received the new facility has been and we’re excited to see them grow, develop and become leading nurses – hopefully right here in Croydon.”
Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Roehampton, said: “The new Clinical Simulation Centre has already started to benefit students, offering them an optimal real-life setting to learn not only the theoretical knowledge, but also the essential practical skills needed to embark on a rewarding nursing career. Our partnership with Croydon College is testament to our commitment to widening access to higher education, especially in sectors such as nursing which is in urgent need of professionals to join its workforce.”
Mike Bell, Chair of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust said: “This incredible facility makes Croydon the place to be for the highest grade of clinical education in one of London’s biggest and most vibrant boroughs. The £1m Simulation Centre brings to life what it’s like to work in both hospital and community services, and I look forward to the becoming a beacon of excellence that brings a wealth of home-grown talent to train the next generation of nurses to care for our community.”
Nick Conway, Managing Director at ITC commented: “It has been a pleasure working with Croydon College again and their professional teams. With only seven weeks to complete the works, it was a real team effort to create these outstanding facilities for aspiring healthcare professionals. We wish all of the local students that will benefit from using the Clinical Simulation Centre in the Croydon University Centre every success.”
As part of their degree, students of the University of Roehampton BSc Adult Nursing degree at Croydon University Centre will also take part in placements at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust and other local health providers.
*The Clinical Simulation Centre is located at the Croydon University Centre within Croydon College. Further information about the BSc Adult Nursing degree at Croydon University Centre can be found here.