EIT has marked the opening of a new nursing clinical simulation suite with a blessing at its Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale.

Named after former Chief Executive, the Bruce Martin building, which was damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle, has undergone seismic upgrades and remodelling and now includes Te Kahikatea – Clinical Simulation Suite as well as teaching and office spaces.

Executive Director, Operations Glen Harkness said: “The building now provides state-of-the-art nursing facilities and brings one of our largest student cohorts back to the heart of our campus”.

EIT’s Bachelor of Nursing is a full-time, three-year programme (or five years equivalent part-time). With close to 400 Bachelor of Nursing enrolments across all levels of the programme every year, around 100 learners graduate each year with a Bachelor of Nursing.

Te Kahikatea – Clinical Simulation Suite includes a simulated ward, clinic and additional learning spaces designed to provide nursing students with hands-on learning experiences that closely reflect real clinical practice.

In addition to Te Kahikatea, the upper floors have also seen some alterations to provide improved teaching spaces and accommodate staff from EIT’s Schools of Health and Sport Science, and Nursing.

Acting Head of the School of Nursing Katie Rongonui said it marks a significant milestone for the School of Nursing.

“Te Kahikatea – Clinical Simulation Suite offers students access to state-of-the-art facilities, incorporating high-fidelity simulation environments, where they can develop and refine their clinical skills in realistic settings prior to entering professional practice.

“We are exceptionally proud of the opportunities this facility creates for our learners and the positive impact they will have within their communities.”

The rebuild and seismic upgrade was completed by Gemco Construction. “Gemco have been great partners, working with us to deliver a world-class teaching facility,” Harkness said.