The public is being invited to tour 'next generation' medical science facilities at an open day in the recently completed Clinical Skills Centre at the Centre for Health Science, Inverness.
On Tuesday, January 20, the public, schools and businesses will be able to tour the Centre's state-of-the-art facilities and enjoy exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops and presentations about what goes on in the flagship premises developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
The Clinical Skills Centre is a purpose designed unit for training a range of skills to undergraduate and postgraduate nurses, doctors and dentists. A simulated four-bed ward and a practical skills laboratory are highlights of the facility including state-of-the-art videoconferencing and CCTV recording equipment. Modern equipment ranging from simple models to sophisticated life-size mannequins will be used for teaching diagnostic, technical and treatment skills.
Alastair Munro, chairman of the Centre for Health Science Ltd said: "You don't need to have any specific science interest to find a tour of this project absolutely fascinating. People will, I think, be very interested in the dental teaching unit where trainee dentists can learn their skills on 'phantom heads' and delighted by the standard and sophistication of the new dental treatment facilities here.
"There is also plenty to see in the simulated hospital ward where medical staff can train on mannequins which present various medical conditions, such as multiple injuries or the childbirth process."
During the open day, between 10am and 5pm, the public will also be able to tour the centre's 'main street', visit exhibition stands and undertake public art 'tours' at 11am; 1pm and 3pm. The specially designed courtyard area at the centre of the phased building will also be accessible and the centre's café open for refreshments.
There will be a number of presentations on clinical skills subjects such as, moving and handling and managing aggression, and four different talks on aspects of IT in clinical dentistry. For further details and times for these, log onto www.centreforhealthscience.com.
The centre is situated beside Raigmore Hospital and is accessed from the same turning off the Old Perth Road. There is parking available at the centre.
The open day follows the official opening of the completed centre by Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism on Monday (January 19). The Inverness Dental Centre, a key facility within Phase II, will transform services for thousands of patients with nine NHS dentists and a student clinic providing dental treatment to patients.
The centre is the new home of dental services that until now have been provided at Hilton Dental Clinic, Inverness and Inverness High School. The Centre for Health Science was developed and is owned by HIE supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund, and accommodates some of the healthcare and medical related organisations in and around Inverness.
For more details about the open day on Tuesday January 20, please log onto www.centreforhealthscience.com