The Ontario government announced a healthy dose of support for Brock University’s Nursing program on Friday, March 31.

At an event held in Welland, Sam Oosterhoff, Member of Provincial Parliament for Niagara West, announced the province is providing Brock University with $174,800 from the Training Equipment and Renewal Fund. 

The funding will support medical learning tools and equipment used as part of Brock’s nationally recognized Nursing program to ensure students receive the high-quality education and training they need to succeed in the workforce. 

Combined with a contribution from Brock of $262,262, the total cost of the project is $437,063, which will be used to purchase high-fidelity simulators and software, a code blue simulation bundle, a virtual reality simulation package and a bar code medication administration system for experiential learning and research. 

“This investment will directly impact students using our Nursing Simulation Labs,” said Peter Tiidus, Dean for Brock’s Faculty of Applied Health Sciences. “The labs, and cutting-edge technology found within them, provide a safe learning environment for students to master life-saving skills. The lifelike simulations prepare students for how to analyze and respond to patients and situations they will encounter in the real world.” 

“Brock is deeply connected to the community and has long-standing partnerships with health-care providers across the region,” said Lesley Rigg, Brock University President and Vice-Chancellor. “This funding will help Brock further enhance the learning experience for future nurses and health-care practitioners, who will apply their knowledge and skills in hospitals, long-term care facilities and other health-care settings around Niagara and across the province.” 

The announcement took place at Niagara College’s Welland Campus and included funding for the college as part of the provincial government’s College Equipment and Renewal Fund. 

“This support will ensure students at Niagara College and Brock University have access to the latest instructional tools and equipment to meet business and industry standards,” said Oosterhoff. 

“By investing in the renewal and modernization of post-secondary infrastructure, our government is supporting the growth of the regional economy right here in Niagara and ensuring local students get the knowledge and skills they need to get good-paying jobs.”