Pinnacle of New Clinical School Building Reached

A major construction milestone for the new $21 million Western Sydney University Macarthur Clinical School at Campbelltown Hospital has been reached, with a 'topping out' ceremony held on Wednesday 14 December.

NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner was joined by Dean of the School of Medicine, Professor Annemarie Hennessy along with Member for Camden Chris Patterson and Member for Wollondilly Jai Rowell for the 'topping out' – a construction tradition which marks completion of the highest point in a concrete structure.

"It was this time last year that I was on site, turning the first sod of earth for the construction of this building. I am delighted to return here today to tour this very impressive looking building," Mrs Skinner said.

A tree native to the Macarthur district, the Eucalyptus tereticornis, or Forest Red Gum, was chosen for the rooftop ceremony.

"With the population of south-western Sydney, and in particular Macarthur, increasing each year, local education and training of health professionals is vital in ensuring this region can continue to meet the growing demand on health services," Mrs Skinner said.

"Locating the clinical school on the campus of Campbelltown Hospital ensures students have access to quality, hands-on training, right at their doorstep.

"I'm very pleased to see construction is on track and I look forward to welcoming the first cohort of students who begin their training here in the new year."

The Macarthur Clinical School will be an advanced clinical training centre providing students and researchers with specialist teaching and simulated learning spaces.

The project is a joint initiative between Western Sydney University and the NSW Government, with the Government contributing $9 million towards the cost of the project.

When complete the Clinical School will include:
· 153-seat lecture theatre
· Clinical skills teaching facility
· Simulation laboratory
· Eight clinic/clinical trials rooms
· Hospital library
· Office space for clinical academic teams
· Centre for Education and Workforce Development teaching and office facility

Images courtesy Sally Tsoutas (First image L to R): Professor Brad Frankum, Chris Patterson, Member for Camden, Professor Annemarie Hennesy, Dean, School of Medicine, Alison Derrett, General Manager, Camden and Campbelltown Hospitals, Jai Rowell, Member for Wollondilly, Jillian Skinner, NSW Health Minister

ENDS

15 December 2016

Amanda Whibley - Manager, Media and Public Relations