Medical and nursing students, doctors and allied health workers will now have access to an innovative state of the art clinical training facility at Goulburn Base Hospital.   

The cutting-edge addition, managed by the Australian National University (ANU) School of Medicine and Psychology provides unparalleled hands-on experience with a high-fidelity simulation lab, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world clinical practice. 

Dr Mike Freelander, MP for Macarthur and paediatrician, was on hand to open the Commonwealth funded facility which will help improve regional and rural health care by attracting and retaining experienced doctors to educate the current and future health workforce, and by enabling research for improved health outcomes. 

The facility, named after Emeritus Professor Amanda Barnard – founding head of the ANU Rural Clinical School and former Associate Dean of Rural and Indigenous Health – includes rooms for clinical skills training, tutorial and office spaces, and a clinical library. 

Professor Paul Fitzgerald, Director of the School of Medicine and Psychology said, “The rural clinical program has been a core part of our medical program since its inception in 2004.” 

“The education we can offer through this new facility, in collaboration with the Southern NSW Local Health District and the University of Canberra, is a great example of working to develop sustainable models of authentic, inter-professional learning opportunities for students and health professionals in rural areas.” 

For fourth year ANU medical student, Natalie Gordon, who was born and raised in Goulburn, the new facility holds a very special place in her heart. Reflecting that the building that stood before the new training facility was built was a birthing unit for the hospital, where she was born.  

“Whilst this building isn't a traditional birthing suite anymore, it's a building that is ready to birth new doctors for Goulburn and many rural, regional and remote towns across the country.”  

“Living and working in a community, whilst studying, provides a solid foundation on which to build a medical career,” Ms Gordon added. 

“I hope this place becomes a centre of inspiration for future generations, to the many young people in the district who might dare to dream of becoming a doctor, especially those kids who never imagined this was possible in our town. This is a place for them.” 

The celebration included a smoking ceremony by Wiradjuri Echoes, reflections by staff and students who will enjoy the new spaces, and tours of the facility.