Manitoba is on the cusp of a transformation revolutionizing health-care education in the province, as RRC Polytech recently announced a brand-new state-of-the-art facility which features the Interdisciplinary Health and Community Services Simulation Centre, opening in January 2024. The first of its kind for the province, the centre will immerse nursing, allied health, and community service students in experiences simulating that hands-on kind of training.
The Simulation Centre, with 16,630 square feet at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus, will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including high-fidelity simulation tools as well as live actors that will mimic healthcare scenarios. This cutting-edge learning environment will support students in the College’s 13 health-related programs, providing them with direct experience in experiential learning reflecting realities they will encounter in practice. The Centre is designed to make sure that students are equipped well for clinical settings and are job-ready upon graduation.
Simulation is an important part of health-care education,” says Fred Meier, president and CEO of RRC Polytech. “It helps students gain direct experience, build their confidence, and better prepare them to make a positive difference in the communities they serve.” The opening of this new center further cements RRC Polytech’s position as a leading institution for health profession training in the province.
The $12.5 million project received generous financial support from the Province of Manitoba, including an investment of $6 million from it this year. Renée Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training, highlighted the value of the Centre in offering top-tier, local healthcare education. She stated, “Bringing students from various health disciplines together ensures they gain the practical training required to excel in their future careers.
The Centre is designed to fully embrace Indigenous teachings, as the rooms for debriefing are based on Indigenous healing plants, with separate spaces for smudging and ceremonies. That reflects a strong commitment of RRC Polytech to reconciliation and diversity. The facility’s versatile design supports a wide range of training scenarios, including triage exercises, health unit clerk simulations, and both hospital and non-hospital environments.
With the capacity to accommodate up to 12,000 students annually, the Centre can facilitate up to six simultaneous simulations. It is equipped with advanced mannequins representing various life stages, enhancing the authenticity of training experiences. Furthermore, the Centre’s streaming and recording capabilities will allow students from regional campuses to observe live simulations, further enriching their educational experience.
RRC Polytech
This new facility will support current students but also provide opportunities for professionals seeking to upgrade. RRC Polytech is committed to ensuring the future of healthcare in Manitoba remains strong, with a well-trained workforce ready to meet evolving needs for the province.
