WORCESTER’s new state-of-the-art teaching centre for health and medical students has opened its doors at the University of Worcester.
Named after Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the first woman to qualify as a physician and surgeon in the UK, the building will not only house the University’s health students but also the new Three Counties Medical School, which will welcome its first cohort of students this September.
The former newspaper offices on Hylton Road, nestled on the banks of the River Severn, has undergone a complete transformation over the past 12 months, from drab concrete to a golden colour which restores its elegant lines.
Inside, the space has been transformed with a new atrium, simulated GP consultation rooms, light and spacious social learning spaces and a café with indoor and outdoor seating.
The space which once housed the giant printing press is now home to a new anatomy suite with high-tech equipment for students to learn about the human body and perform medical procedures in a controlled environment.
Professor David Green CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive at the University, said: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the partners who have supported us, including the Clive Richards Foundation, the Kildare Trust, our local NHS partners, Worcester Town’s Fund and the office for Students.”
Professor Sally Moyle, Pro Vice Chancellor Health and Science, said up to 1,500 health students would be using the new building each week.
“These students, studying nursing, medicine, midwifery, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, paramedicine and more will be the backbone of tomorrow’s NHS,” she said.
“The University has been investing in high quality health courses for more than 20 years because we know just how badly the country needs these graduates.”
Professor Sandra Nicholson, Founding Dean of the Three Counties Medical School, added: “We are looking forward to welcoming our first cohort of medical students in September who will have the opportunity to learn in this outstanding new venue.
“Many thanks go to our NHS partners and many others who have supported us in our journey to establish a medical school in Worcester, which will make a huge contribution to the people of this region.”
A formal opening ceremony will take place later in the year.
The building forms part of the University’s new Severn Campus for Health, Wellbeing and Inclusive Sport, which has seen the University regenerate a largely derelict riverside industrial estate.
Further developments on the new campus include the world’s first inclusive cricket centre in partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board, while a further building for teaching the ever-expanding number of health students at the University is also planned for construction in 2024.
