Clinical training on wheels - the next step for aged care service

Victoria is leading innovation in aged care with the launch of the first ever mobile clinical training unit in Australia.

Leading Age Services Australia – Victoria (LASA Victoria) introduced their simulation training van to the industry at Villa Maria at the end of last month.

The van is designed to support the skills growth of the age services workforce through its sheer mobility.

President of LASA Victoria Ingrid Williams said that rather than set up a fixed simulation training room at their offices, the training division saw an opportunity to extend their services to remote and rural facilities in the form of a modified mobile van.

“This flexible, onsite delivery of basic clinical training can also assist aged care staff manage the increasing complexity of residents’ care needs; potentially preventing Emergency Department admissions,” Ms Williams said.

Villa Maria Learning and Development Manager Sandra Bowen was blown away by the state-of-the-art equipment outfitting the van.

“The mannequin is computer-operated so it actually talks and responds like a real person would,” Ms Bowen said.

“It’s a big step forward for aged care.”

 “The main advantage will be that staff don’t have to leave their facility to get their training, the training will come to them,” she said.

“It also eliminates the cost factor of sending staff away to get trained."

Ms Bowen sits on the industry reference group for LASA Victoria’s Graduate Nurse Program and said her recent gradutes are excited to trial the van in the coming months.

Photo: LASA Victoria staff in front of their van.