Nicola Sturgeon said the centre was invaluable to students and commended the equipment available at their disposal.
On a visit to Sighthill Campus, she said: “I’ve been in other simulation clinics and was always really impressed, but this one is particularly good. The state-of-the-art equipment in here I think is excellent. You know from speaking to the student nurses here, that what they’re getting from the ability to carry out procedures on mannequins that are very, very lifelike but obviously without the risks involved with a normal patient, is hugely invaluable to them. This kind of facility is helping us train really high-quality nurses of the future.
“Healthcare is changing and the way that health professionals work has to change too. That underlines the importance of making sure that the training and the facilities and the education that we’re providing for student nurses is state of the art and reflecting that changing pattern of healthcare.”
The First Minister also recognised how important future students are to the profession and said: “Nurses and midwives play a vital role in Scotland – demonstrating amazing dedication, commitment and professionalism on a daily basis.
“The improved financial support for students with responsibility for a child or a family member can help these students overcome some of the barriers to pursuing a career in nursing or midwifery and is based on what students have told us about the challenges they face.”