Bass Coast Health partners with Country Universities Centre to train medical workforce

More people are pursuing fulfilling careers at Bass Coast Health (BCH) thanks to the Bass Coast Country Universities Centre (CUC).

The Wonthaggi-based centre is a study space where students are supported by staff and have access to free internet, dual-screen computers, and break-out spaces.

BCH staff, as well as undergraduate healthcare students, are accessing the services of the CUC while they undertake universities studies, allowing them to pursue further education close to their homes without travelling to Melbourne or the Latrobe Valley.

The CUC will play an even greater role in the provision of higher education support to local students now that Wonthaggi Hospital is an accredited training site for nursing students at Federation University.

Kate Brosnan is a Registered Student of Undergraduate Nursing (RUSON) working in Wonthaggi Hospital’s Sub-Acute Ward.

Kate is undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing through Federation University at Churchill and recently registered with CUC. She participates in group work in the tutorial room at CUC, working with other students.

“It is a wonderful meeting place and a safe place to access after-hours rather than meeting at other people’s homes where there are distractions”.

Gabrielle Dixon works with BCH’s Learning and Development Team as a Clinical Support Nurse – Community Nursing and is undertaking a master’s degree of Wound Care at Monash University.

Gabrielle has been attending CUC for 18 months and appreciates having a dedicated study space.

“I mainly come here to do discussions online, tutorials and assignments. I enjoy meeting like-minded people and having access to high-speed, reliable internet.”

Michelle Barnes is BCH’s Allied Health Clinical Educator, and she is undertaking a master’s degree in Public Health at Monash University.

Michelle has been accessing CUC for two years and enjoys how easy it is to access the Centre and all it offers.

“It’s convenient having a dedicated place to study so close to town and to my children’s school.”

Centre Manager Andrea Evans-McCall said the CUC was presenting opportunities to regional students to pursue their dreams, while upskilling the staff of local employers such as BCH.

“If we were not here, not as many students would be able to access higher education. If young people leave the area to pursue study, they are less likely to come back and work locally.”