Healthcare skills suite opened

Wales' future healthcare professionals will receive training in one of the most up-to-date facilities thanks to additional investment in teaching and research by the University.

Educating around 800 radiographers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other allied healthcare professionals each year, the School of Healthcare Studies has invested more than £300,000 to create a Professional Skills Suite fit for training today's healthcare workforce.

Officially opened by the Welsh Government Minister for Health and Social Science, Lesley Griffiths AM, the facility includes simulation facilities, practical rooms, and laboratory space for students to be taught, practice and learn the skills and expertise they will need when they graduate as healthcare professionals.

An Activities of Daily Living Suite, a mock Operating Theatre and a Mould Room have also been added and two new Physiotherapy treatment rooms have been constructed, including dedicated postgraduate facilities for the first time.

Professor Sheila Hunt, Head of School, said: "Just as the Welsh Government has recently announced its commitment to safeguarding the future training of healthcare professionals, we are investing in the some of the latest facilities and equipment to ensure the training we provide is among the best in the UK.

"The new suites, their equipment and technology, demonstrate the way in which education must and does keep up with change in clinical practice to provide a workforce with relevant skills and abilities. The facilities demonstrate the way in which the School of Healthcare Studies and Cardiff University adapt and enhance the learning and research environment to meet the changing needs of service provision."

Speaking ahead of the opening, Lesley Griffiths AM, said: "We know that high quality healthcare training is vital to support the NHS now and in the future, and with this facility, students at the School of Healthcare Studies have access to the latest technology to help them hone their skills."

During the opening the Minister also viewed the new virtual reality research facility. While not explicitly part of the skills suites, this new facility is almost unique within the UK. The facility includes an instrumented treadmill and 180 degree virtual environment which provide instantaneous movement feedback to patients. Researchers using this facility are investigating movement and movement disorders such as osteoarthritis, and working to translate interventional research into clinical benefit.

The School provides pre-registration programmes, recognised by the Health Professions Council, in Occupational Therapy, Operating Department Practice, Physiotherapy, Diagnostic Radiography and Radiotherapy & Oncology.