Construction is underway on the $1.8 million Peninsula Clinical School building. When completed, it will significantly boost the teaching and learning facilities at Frankston Hospital.
Minister for Health The Hon Daniel Andrews MP joined staff, academics and community volunteers to celebrate the progress of this latest project between Peninsula Health and Monash University.
Peninsula Health Chairman Barry Nicholls explained, “The new building will be a two-storey extension to the Academic Centre, which is where our students and existing staff come to further their learning.”
“This ground floor of the extension will have three tutorial rooms and the first floor will comprise another two tutorial rooms and two additional study areas.”
“Purpose built to take advantage of natural light, it will feature partitions to enable the rooms to be expanded or separated depending on the educational requirements.”
This flexibility will maximise opportunities for students to work collaboratively on a range of projects,” he added.
Monash University Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University, Professor Steve Wesselingh spoke on the need for the development in light of the increase of student doctors, graduate nurses and practicing interns needed for the region.
During his visit to Frankston Hospital, Minister Andrews took the opportunity to formally congratulate the work of the Hospital’s Pink Ladies who operate the public café in the main foyer.
Personally thanking the Pink Ladies for raising more than $5 million in funds for the hospital, “which is a lot of teas and coffees,” the Minister announced the nominations for the 2010 Victorian Volunteer of the Year Awards would open on March 1.
Pink Ladies President Pauline Ellerby was delighted, “There are nearly a hundred Pinkies. We aim to serve and raise money, and most of all to brighten the day for our patients and their families.”
