The Northern NSW Academic Health Alliance, of which Griffith University is a founding member, unveiled a state-of-the-art training hub at the new $723-million Tweed Valley Hospital today.

Students are set to benefit from the custom-built learning environment, with the first Griffith students already using the new facilities.

The training hub also facilitates integrated research and collaborative projects between the Alliance’s four education institutions: Griffith University, Southern Cross University, Bond University, and TAFE NSW.

Griffith’s Pro Vice Chancellor of Health, Professor Analise O’Donovan, said medical students, completing their placements at Tweed Valley Hospital are enjoying using the new Hub for clinical-based learning and for self-study.

“Together, we can unite all of our resources and provide a much richer opportunity for our students who will get to learn in a world-class facility paving the way for the next generation of the workforce,” Professor O’Donovan said.

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Education Impact) at Southern Cross University Mr Ben Roche said the Alliance was perfectly placed to undertake research of local and national significance.

“Being regionally located is a distinct advantage as we have direct access to our communities and what they need. We’re excited by the possibilities,” Mr Roche said.

Bond University’s Executive Dean of Health Sciences and Medicine, Professor Nick Zwar, said the advantages of being located in a new hospital were clear.

“Students will be undertaking placements with expert clinicians, working in a modern facility equipped with the latest medical technology. They’ll have access to the absolute best training experiences.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said TAFE NSW will bring its expertise in co-designing and co-delivering flexible education programs that integrate research-led learning with advanced technical and industry-based skills.

“This collaboration between education providers means the local community will benefit from a pipeline of skilled healthcare workers and increased capacity to provide quality, patient-centred care,” Mr Whan said.