Aston University has received a £4.8m investment to develop a digital health facility to provide healthcare and train the next generation of medical professionals with simulated facilities.
The funding boost for the Birmingham-based university’s College of Health and Life Sciences came from the education regulator group Office for Students.
Aston University will use the investment to improve its health tech facilities, which will include a digital hospital ward to provide remote medical services, as well as simulation training facilities for students of the college.
“This strategic investment will ensure that our students are learning in the very best facilities with access to state-of-the-art digital technologies,” said Prof Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor at Aston University.
“The new facilities will enable us to prepare students fully for future careers that are strategically important to the healthcare sector and society. This is about bringing Industry 4.0 to healthcare.”
Among the new simulation training facilities is an augmented-reality simulation for its optometry simulation suite that will allow students to safely and realistically practice delicate practices for the treatment of eye conditions.
“The College of Health and Life Sciences is thrilled with this investment. The enhanced facilities will help to support many of our healthcare students, including those now applying for our new nursing degree,” said Prof Liz Moores, deputy dean of the College of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University.
“It will also support us with the introduction of the new pharmacy and optometry education standards, providing a step change in our ability to simulate a wide range of clinical scenarios.”
