A REFURBISHMENT of a department at Bucks New Uni which cost £4.5million has been completed in time for the new academic year.

The South Wing of the campus in Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe has been completely remodelled to accommodate growth of The Faculty of Society and Health.

The building, which was originally built in the 1960s, now offers a state-of-the-art facility with bespoke learning and teaching areas as well as more informal space for students to enjoy.

In response to student feedback, wider than average corridors have been decked out with seating and power/data points to create informal areas designed to double up as ‘working on the go’ or social space.

Pro Vice Chancellor Dr Alison Chambers, who leads the faculty, said: "This significant investment in the Faculty of Society and Health provides us with additional state-of- the-art health science simulation suites and new teaching facilities for all our students. These new facilities place us in a strong position to respond to future opportunities as well as supporting our exciting plans for growth".

The faculty has key contracts with Health Education North West London and Health Education Thames Valley to educate more than 480 nurses per year in the fields of adult, child and mental health nursing.

In addition, it has a cohort of Operating Department Practitioners which increases the student population to more than 1,300 undergraduates, with many more part-time qualified health care professionals studying and developing new areas of knowledge, skills and expertise.

An advanced clinical skills laboratory which includes an eight-bay hospital ward has been built in South Wing.

The new skills area will be kitted out with the latest in interactive medical and teaching aids including a range of simulation manikins for both child and adult fields.

Provision has also been made for the future development of an additional fully functional operating theatre and recovery room.

Vice Chancellor Professor Ruth Farwell said: "Unveiling this substantially enhanced facility is a great start to the new academic year and a huge benefit to both staff and students. The building has been refurbished to provide inspiring flexible space for learning and teaching for all our students as well as specific state-of- the-art facilities for our nurse education work."