Mater Private Hospital Springfield is extending its connections with the local community by hosting Year 10 and 11 students from four local Springfield High Schools through the Festival of Learning.

The Festival of Learning is a weeklong event, organised by the Springfield City Group, and includes more than 50 events across the city with the goal of engaging students in educational activities.

Students from St Peters Lutheran College, The Springfield Anglican College, Springfield Central State High School and Hymba Yumba School attended Mater Private Hospital Springfield and participated in simulation activities and information sessions.

Mater Private Hospital Springfield Director of Clinical Services Suzanne Hawksley said the hospital was excited to participate in the event.

“Through these sessions students were able to gain a deeper understanding of health related careers and learn more about how hospitals operate,” she said.

“It’s an opportunity to provide innovative and exciting learning experiences for students. The event went very well and students were very engaged in the activities we held.

“Partnering with The Learning Coalition of Greater Springfield brings another opportunity to connect with the community in nurturing the healthcare workforce of the future.”

Mater Private Hospital Springfield has a long standing history in engaging with the local education community in areas of health promotion, along with providing an environment for students to gain a deeper understanding of health related careers.

Through the eyes of the hospital team and with the support of simulation activities and information sessions, students participating in this program had the opportunity to achieve the following objectives:

• gain an understanding of the layout of the hospital, including both clinical and non-clinical areas
• understand the journey of the patient undergoing surgery, from admission through to discharge, including preparation for theatre and transfer to the ward
• learn some of the key principles for providing quality and safe care to patient.
• observe simulation of the Clinical Handover process and;
• gain an understanding of some of the disciplines involved.