Saint Anselm College and Catholic Medical Center (CMC) have received $2 million in funding secured by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to build a new innovative health care facility on Manchester’s West Side. This state-of-the-art facility will support health care staff as well as nursing and health care students through on-the-job training and medical simulations of health care events and testing. The newest facility will be in addition to Saint Anselm College’s current campus simulation facilities.
“We are delighted to have an opportunity to extend our wonderful relationship with Catholic Medical Center. This simulation lab will provide our nursing students a new opportunity for a meaningful, hands-on learning experience. The college is very grateful to Sen. Shaheen for the support and advocacy of this partnership,” said Saint Anselm College President Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D.
Simulation labs are a critical component of healthcare education and training. Saint Anselm College nursing students participate in simulations prior to beginning their clinical rotations as well as throughout their courses. The labs ensure that students are confident in clinical situations, learn from mistakes in a safe and supportive environment and gain experience with conditions that may not arise during clinical rotations.
“We are excited by the prospect of a state-of-the-art simulation center which will allow faculty and students to strengthen our inter-professional relationships with staff at CMC,” said Dr. Maureen O’Reilly, director of nursing at Saint Anselm College.
“Working with hospital staff will add another dimension to the simulation experiences students participate in on campus. These experiences will enhance communication and collaboration within the healthcare team which is essential for excellent patient outcomes. Working together in a combined facility will be beneficial for students and staff alike as we prepare to meet the challenges of the modern healthcare environment.”
“I’m thrilled to welcome $2 million, which I worked to secure in the government funding legislation recently signed into law, to build a facility that will propel innovation in health care and deliver quality care to patients in New Hampshire. This facility will be home to hands-on training and simulation centers that ensure our nursing students are equipped with the best education possible. By connecting students with top health care professionals and technology, this partnership between St. A’s and CMC will train the next generation of health care leaders,” said Shaheen. “I’ll continue pushing for investments that connect Granite Staters with quality, affordable health care.”
“We’re thankful for the Senator’s support of this project, which will help us train nurses and providers on leading-edge technologies and support Manchester’s growing biotech industry,” said Jennifer Cassin, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President Nursing at Catholic Medical Center.
As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, Shaheen secured key priorities for New Hampshire in the new omnibus bill signed into law last week.