Historic building 'nursed' back to life
First stage of the Domain site revitalisation officially opened
The original home of the University of Tasmania - the Domain House site - is once again alive with the clamour and movement of students.
Classes for the School of Nursing and Midwifery’s two-year Bachelor of Nursing degree are now being held in the former Electrical Engineering building, the first of the site’s historic buildings to be completely refurbished by UTAS.
A total of 170 students have enrolled in the fast-track degree.
The building was officially opened in its new guise by the Labor Senator for Tasmania, Carol Brown, today (Monday 25 March 2013) and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Rathjen. The project was largely funded through the Commonwealth Teaching and Learning Capital Fund (Higher Education).
"This refurbished building represents the beginning of a consolidation of UTAS’s presence in Hobart that will see students, staff and community coming together in a way not experienced before," Prof Rathjen said.
"The Domain Precinct, still in the early stages of redevelopment, will link with the Medical Science buildings, the planned student accommodation project in Melville Street and the recently-announced Academy of Creative Industries and Performing Arts on the Theatre Royal car park site."
"Add to that the Art School as part of the Tasmanian College of the Arts in Hunter St and the new IMAS building on the waterfront and it becomes clear that the University’s presence will help define the shape and character of the city in future years."
While commonly known as the Electrical Engineering building, this building has had many uses since its original opening in 1924. At various times it has hosted the teaching of Physics and of Chemistry. During World War II it housed army personnel.
Many features of the original 80-seat lecture theatre have been retained - including graffiti on the benches - while the facilities have been upgraded for modern delivery of lectures.
The building now features hi-fidelity suites where students can immerse themselves in a clinical scenario, playing the role of a registered nurse, and a clinical laboratory which is used for both low- and medium-fidelity simulation.
The Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Science, Prof Denise Fassett, said the facilities' proximity to the Medical Science Precinct and the Royal Hobart Hospital opened up new opportunities for students and staff to collaborate.
"The simulation centre at the Domain campus is an exciting addition to our suite of centres which also includes the Newnham and Sydney campuses," Prof Fassett said.
"Simulation is now embedded in health care services and the nursing and health curricula, to improve quality and safety in health care through competency development. When students undertake clinical experience, they will be familiar with the equipment and expectations."
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