Major new investment at ECU's Midwifery ward

First published by Edith Cowan University

Edith Cowan University's (ECU) School of Nursing and Midwifery will be introducing its highly successful "Ward for a Day" initiative to its Midwifery discipline in the second semester of 2024, following a $500,000 investment into new and updated equipment.

The immersive practice ward-based simulation programme will build on an existing initiative at ECU which puts nursing students in real-world scenarios to assist nursing and medical  students to transition between academia and practice.

"Midwifery students use the space very differently compared with nursing and medical students. The simulation programme, which will be assisted by the major investment into new equipment, is aimed at preparing students to work across a full scope of practice as a midwife," ECU Course Co-ordinator Ms Melanie Welfare said.

She noted that given the shortage of midwives, particularly in rural areas, hands-on training was of utmost importance for students.

ECU has invested $500,000 in upgrading its midwifery simulation ward, with equipment ranging from low fidelity task trainers to high fidelity simulated birthing mannequins. The space has also been equipped with state-of the art cameras  and recording devices to allow students to be videoed while acquiring their skills.

"We have invested in a wide range of equipment, some of it simple but others that are really complex computer-driven mannequins that can simulate birth," Ms Welfare said.

"Simulation has been widely used in healthcare education for many years and enables students to learn and become confident in clinical skills prior to clinical placements. It allows them to practice soft skills like communications, in a safe and supportive environment.

"This helps to ensure the safety of the healthcare consumer once the learner has graduated," Ms Welfare said.

The Ward for the Day initiative will span across the Joondalup and South-West campuses and will be rolled out to all midwifery practice courses starting from semester 1 ,2025. Students from all year levels will have the opportunity to participate and learn in ‘real world’ environments to ensure they build the confidence needed before entering the clinical environment.