Minister for Health and HIV, Sir Puka Temu and Australian High Commissioner, Bruce Davis opened the new Academic Building at the Lae School of Nursing on Tuesday, 8 May 2018, a press release issued today (May 8) states.
It is reported that the new infrustructure support provided by the Australian government will greatly benefit the students of the Nursing College .
The statement says this major infrastructure upgrade support valued at approximately K25 million is part of the Angau Hospital redevelopment project, an initiative under the Joint Understanding between the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia.
EMTV Online understands, the developments include the renovation of the administration building and construction of a new academic building complex. The new building complex includes tutorial rooms, a computer lab, library and student mess.
It is also stated that the new facilities, which have the capacity to cater for over 300 students, will deliver a conducive teaching and learning environment for both staff and students.
Students movement between the school facilities and Angau Hospital for clinical practicals in the evenings is also made easier by the installed security lighting which came with the new facility.
Concurrently, the project which was completed late last year provided job opportunities and skills development for an estimated 90 local construction workers, who were involved in the construction of the facilities.
Through Australia’s partnership with Papua New Guinea, this assistance to the Lae School of Nursing will help to ensure the ongoing provision of adequately trained staff for the expanded facilities at Angau hospital, as well as addressing potential shortages of skilled health workers throughout the country.
Lae School of Nursing was established in the 1960s and has a longstanding relationship with Angau Hospital, which continues as the school’s teaching hospital.
