Runcorn SHS health Academy: First look at groundbreaking facility
An intensive care unit is not somewhere most young people want to visit, but for some students at this Brisbane school it’s an important tool to help the tackle the next stage of their life.
Local
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A state high school on Brisbane’s southside plans to offer courses in Certificate III Health Services Assistance to both students and members of the public next year with the official opening of its new Health Academy.
Runcorn State High School marketing officer Jordain Just said the Academy, delivered in partnership with Milton VET provider Axiom College, is “in response to the growing number of students interested in pursuing a career in the health industry”.
CONFIRMED: $186 million to fix notorious Brisbane level crossing
Brisbane hairdresser named best eco salon in Australia
Business fined $60K after worker nearly loses thumb
“In 2018 and 2019, about 25 per cent of our cohort who went on to further study chose a health-related field,” he said.
A scaled-down version of the Academy has already been operating this year, with approximately 40 students working towards a Certificate II Health Support Services qualification.
“The pandemic of 2020 has taught all of us the importance and integral nature that healthcare has in our lives,” Mr Just said.
“Our vision is to offer an upgraded VET qualification, namely the Certificate III as well as the Certificate II, in 2021, not only to students at the school, but also those in our community who would like to pursue a career in the health industry.”
Mr Just hailed the special contributions of Brisbane company Canstruct International, which donated the academy’s portable ICU unit, valued at $150,000; the Princess Alexandra Hospital, which donated one of the unit’s two beds; and Acacia Ridge company Associated Scale Services, a manufacturer of industrial weighing systems, who donated funds to purchase medical equipment.
The portable ICU, contained within a shipping container, is a specialist negative pressure portable hospital room which can be deployed within two hours.
Canstruct Group chief executive Rory Murphy has previously told The Courier Mailthe rooms could be used in remote or bushfire-affected areas, or to increase hospital capacity in pandemic times.
“These rooms help Australia become crisis-ready, and are so adaptable that they can be used for health, defence or humanitarian need,” he said.