Holmesglen, Healthscope launch joint venture

Partnership will include clinical placements for students, career development. 

The first TAFE-based hospital is in the works.

The $126 million joint venture between Holmesglen Institute and Healthscope would generate about 150 beds initially, with the prospect of an increase to 250.

Holmesglen CEO Mary Faraone said the benefit to the institute is the education agreement, which outlines partnerships for clinical placements for nursing students and provides opportunities for collaboration. The venture will also include funding for a chair of clinical practice who will work on research and educational enhancement – another first.

“I think the research that will be brought in through the clinical chair will also benefit our program and our students,” said Holmesglen’s Leone English, dean of the faculty of health science and community studies.

English said the focus would be on research that is grounded in professional development, workforce development and the use of simulation in enhancing continuing professional development in undergraduates.

She said the formation of a health education precinct for the hospital was another driving force behind the partnership, adding that having the staff nearby would benefit students. Experienced staff and clinicians would be able to teach and be involved in student assessment, which would help develop work-ready graduates.

“This will allow us to expand our offering of our health sciences-related courses into the allied health area, and it will make it more feasible for us to give the students an interprofessional experience,” English said.

She said the synergies between health and education would enhance nurse recruitment and retention.

The partnership will also allow for education and support for existing staff. The Health Professional Simulation Centre at Holmesglen’s Moorabbin campus will benefit nursing staff’s professional development and continuing education.

English said there was also a real need within the area surrounding the site for the services provided and that the venture would create about 800 new jobs, many of which are within health.

Healthscope will provide about $106 million for the project. A further $20 million from Holmesglen will be spent on modernising and refurbishing the campus. Planning approval from the City of Kingston has not yet been given.

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