Dunedin Hospital and University of Otago Dunedin School of Medicine officials yesterday unveiled the upgraded laboratory facilities at the Fraser Building, at Dunedin Hospital complex.
First established in 2001, and recently much upgraded, the laboratory provides clinical skills training to undergraduate students at the university school, and to Southern District Health Board clinical staff.
Southern DHB deputy chief nursing and midwifery officer Tina Gilbertson said the upgraded facility would provide continuing benefits for clinicians and students, and would also contribute to "best possible outcomes" for the community.
Patients would be treated by clinicians who continued to "gain and maintain their skills in a safe learning environment rather than by trial and error", she said.
The facility and its programmes aimed to "provide an effective learning environment for health professionals to develop, refine and maintain their clinical skills".
She was excited about the facility's training potential and paid tribute to the university for providing most of the necessary funding, and to many other people and organisations for also providing help.
Through the Knowledge Centre, the former Otago DHB had also received generous donations from the Otago Community Trust ($50,000), the Healthcare Otago Charitable Trust ($30,000) and the General Medical Staff Trust ($5000) towards the upgrade and to buy related equipment.
Te Runanga o Otakou (Otakou council) chairman Edward Ellison took part in a mihi (Maori greeting) at an opening ceremony attended by more than 40 people.
School dean Dr John Adams said the upgraded facility would meet the new demands of the medical curriculum and provide enhanced learning opportunities for medical students.
He also praised the leadership and support provided by health sciences pro-vice-chancellor Prof Don Roberton in securing university funding for the project.
Initial planning began in 2007 and work started on the project four months ago.
Twelve consulting rooms and a waiting room were developed, with a new simulated hospital room and tutorial space also provided.
