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Clinical Nursing/Midwifery and Science Nursing Laboratories in the School of Nursing and Midwifery

The School of Nursing and Midwifery (circa 1974) have embarked on a $5 million redevelopment and refurbishment project of both the clinical and science laboratories in 2009 and 2010, with the first 2 stages now complete. Green initiatives were seen as a priority and included in the design where possible.

Come and see how we have transformed outdated space to a modern functioning technical savvy environment that promotes and inspires student learning.

Stage 1 consisted of transferring Science from one building to another: re thinking and redesigning how student teaching space is utilised. Some of the leading innovations utilised include:

  • Smart Boards with symposium in each teaching space and LCD Television
  • Cardiac protected circuits in rooms that use ECGs
  • Electric power points all at waist height minimising manual handling risks
  • Sensor lighting and air conditioning systems (green initiative)
  • Mobile furniture to minimise manual handling and allow ease of re configuring teaching space
  • Separate dedicated chemical and biology preparation areas
  • Sensor no touch taps and surgical sinks in the laboratory space to promote aseptic technique
  • Directional signs outside each room to allow students to easily identify their allocated space
  • Glass fronted fridges (green initiative)
  • Hearing loops in each room
  • Million dollar views, which include visiting Koalas and residing parrots – come and see for yourself..

Stage 2 consisted of redesigning the original science laboratory space to house Clinical and Tutorial space and a Maternity suite that does imitate/replicate the clinical setting and allows students to practice in a realistic simulated environment, more innovations include:

  • Infection control Initiatives which include:
    • Sinks outside labs, so hand washing occurs prior to entering the ward
    • Sinks strategically positioned in the ward, prior to patient beds, so that hands can be washed before patient contact
  • Greening Initiatives include:
    • Sensored digital lighting
    • Sensored individualised air conditioning
    • Time lapse IT, to ensure computers and smart boards shut down when not in use
    • Natural lighting – creating extra windows
  • Laboratory design took into consideration
    • Student to bed ratio
    • Activities undertaken throughout the BN Programme
    • Flexibility of both laboratory and tutorial space
  • Final design of clinical laboratory space includes:
    • IT available to implement Care Connect sa
    • 5 bed clinical ward settings with O2/medical air and suction
    • Medication room/Nurses Station with DDA cupboard and PC’s
    • Glass walled bathrooms with a fully functioning amenities and sluice benches
    • Velcro poster boards throughout the laboratories
    • Patient call bells with emergency alert
    • Individualised bed lights
  • Final design of the tutorial space includes:
    • Smart Boards with symposium in each teaching space and LCD Television
    • Moveable walls to allow larger groups and conference to be facilitated
    • Moveable walls Velcro covered for clinical educational posters
    • Built in open lockers for student bags/property
  • Final design of the Midwifery and birthing suite includes:
    • Attached tutorial space with smart board with symposium and LCD Television
    • Sensored digital lighting
    • Sensored individualised air conditioning
    • Time lapse IT, to ensure computers and smart boards shut down when not in use
    • Functioning birthing bath and delivery suite
    • Nursery
    • Medication room/Nurses Station with DDA Cupboard
    • Glass walled bathroom with fully functioning amenities and sluice bench
    • 3 bed clinical ward settings with O2/medical air/entonox and suction
    • Velcro poster boards throughout the laboratories
    • Patient call bells with emergency alert
    • Individualised bed lights
    • Articulated examination lights above each bed
    • Large storage room attached to clinical laboratories
    • Moveable walls to allow larger groups and conference to be facilitated
    • Moveable walls Velcro covered for clinical educational posters

So if you are thinking of adapting your space or would like to see our space, come and see what we have achieved