Durham College receives more than $46,000 in funding from Sim-one Ontario Simulation Network Posted on May 3, 2013 at 8:48 am. OSHAWA, ON. – Durham College announced today that it has received more than $46,000 in funding from the Sim-one Ontario Simulation Network (Sim-one). The funding is being used to purchase simulation equipment for use by students in the college’s Personal Support Worker (PSW) program during their practicum rotations to further enhance their training. The equipment, which will be housed at Learning Lab 2 located at the Whitby campus, will enable the college to provide students with unique opportunities to gain the necessary knowledge and skills required to provide safe and competent care to seniors in a home environment. Learning Lab 2, a 1940s era house that was originally moved to the Whitby campus from Oshawa in January 2011 for use by students in the college’s renewable energy programs, will be used as a senior’s Living and Learning Home by PSW students. As a realistic depiction of the current living environment of many seniors including low ceilings, narrow hallways and smaller room sizes, it will feature a kitchen, living area, bedroom and bathroom equipped with low- and high-fidelity simulation equipment. Students will have the opportunity to apply skills related to the activities/daily living of seniors within their own home with a focus on restorative care aimed at increasing their overall quality of life. “Durham College is committed to actively planning for the future education of our PSW students with regard to aging Ontarians,” said Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic. “As the PSW role evolves and fluctuates to meet the challenges of providing support to the aging population, we are dedicated to improving the ‘lived-experience’ focus of our curriculum. This includes offering a unique and innovative learning environment focused on both acute and home care. We are very grateful to Sim-one for its wonderful support of our students and commitment to helping us enhance the skills of our PSW students through education, research, evaluation and innovation.” Designed to offer students a case-based learning experience, the equipment will immerse them into the home and life of a senior while helping them develop skills to meet the demanding challenges that face the future of health care in Ontario (e.g. experiential learning related to dementia care and other neurological disorders such as strokes and mobility issues). Sim-one provides valuable services to the simulation community including education and training, research grants, the SIM-one Provincial Equipment Co-ordination Service and an Ontario Simulation Exposition. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is providing the organization with up to $2.4 million in one-time funding to expand and further enhance simulation-based PSW training to support seniors aging at home. In addition, the province has committed to funding three million additional PSW hours for seniors in need as part of its Seniors Care Strategy, which relies on well-educated, skilled PSWs who can support and collaborate with other community-based health-care professionals supporting seniors aging at home. Durham College’s PSW program teaches the skills required to provide a safe and positive environment for patients experiencing physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges while effectively interacting and communicating with patients and their family members. Students graduate with an Ontario College Certificate and are educated to work at hospitals, long-term care facilities, community service agencies, home care agencies, group homes and private residences. -30- About Durham CollegeAt Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2012, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 9,047 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011. Media contacts: Allison RosnakCommunications officerDurham College 905.721.2000 ext. 2333 allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca SHARE:
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