The University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Central Coast Research Institute
was officially opened last month by the Hon Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister of Australia.

The new building, which was made possible through a funding partnership between the Federal
and NSW Governments, and the University of Newcastle, will educate and train the region’s
future doctors, nurses and midwives, as well as support translational research into new models
of integrated care through the Central Coast Research Institute.

Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, said the new University of Newcastle Central Coast
Clinical School meant that local students no longer had to leave for Sydney or Newcastle to
study medicine because they could do so right in the heart of Gosford.

“The University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute is the
culmination of years of collaboration, hard work and dedication to see more opportunities for
local residents through a world-class university campus where health, education and research
will come together,” Ms Wicks said.

The building is located on Holden Street in the Gosford Hospital precinct. It features more than
200 rooms and breakout areas, including: nine lecture and seminar rooms; 15 learning suites,
consultation, training and teaching rooms; a co-staffed LHD/University library; six problem-
based learning areas; three simulation wards; one simulation laboratory and a research laboratory.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and State Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch,
said the NSW Government was proud to partner with the Federal Government and University of

Newcastle as part of the $72.5 million investment into the Central Coast region.

“The University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Central Coast Research Institute
provides a unique and exciting opportunity for students to be able to walk across the road and
receive on the ground experience, relating to their industry. This is just the start of what’s to
come for our region, I look forward to seeing continual growth for all industries across the Central
Coast,” Mr Crouch said.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky, AO said the university was
very proud of its role in bringing the new facilities to life as part of its partnership with the
Australian Government and NSW Health.

“Our University has had a long commitment to the Central Coast through our Ourimbah campus
and today’s opening in Gosford represents the next phase of our commitment.”

“People on the Central Coast should absolutely have the same expectations as people in
Sydney of being able to access world-class university education on their doorstep. We want the
Year 12 students on the Coast looking over here from their high schools and thinking ‘I’m going
to study there next year.”

“The completion of the University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Central Coast
Research Institute supports our University’s vision for an integrated multi-campus program that
meets the needs of the growing Central Coast community now and into the future.”

“It’s exciting for students and will see them get invaluable experience in clinical settings through
the enduring partnership between our University and Local Health District clinical experts,”

Professor Zelinsky said.

Central Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Scott McLachlan said the official opening of
the University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute represented a
real landmark moment in realising a healthy and vibrant future for the Central Coast.

“It’s built on a shared vision to transform our region into a world-leader in healthcare, education,
research and innovation.”

“Our future doctors and nurses will learn under the same roof as leading health researchers,
and on the doorstep of Gosford Hospital. Meanwhile, our researchers will have a hub from which
to develop new models of integrated care that are focused on providing better patient
experiences and enable people to live healthier lives.”

“It’s a really exciting time for the Coast, and you only have to walk around this impressive building
to feel a real buzz of energy about the place already,” Mr McLachlan said.

The $72.5 million University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Central Coast
Research Institute was competed in partnership with the Federal and NSW Governments and
the University of Newcastle.

IMAGE | The University of Newcastle Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute official opening.