THE University of NSW is addressing Australia's pharmacy workforce shortage by preparing students for frontline care through its newly launched full-sized simulation pharmacy.
Located within the UNSW Health Translation Hub, the 35,600m2 facility replicates the pressures and complexities faced by pharmacists, giving students the opportunity to practise patient counselling, clinical decision-making and interprofessional collaboration in a safe and supervised environment.
A unique feature of the simulation pharmacy is its flexible design, which allows fixtures to be reconfigured to recreate both traditional and emerging models of community and hospital pharmacy within a single space.
UNSW students will use the simulation pharmacy as a core part of their training, gaining hands-on experience before undertaking clinical placements and professional practice.
The facility also supports lifelong learning, providing opportunities for practising pharmacists to upskill and integrate with clinicians.
"Facilities like the simulation pharmacy allow students to develop the skills, confidence and professional judgement they need to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care from day one," said Dean of UNSW Medicine and Health Professor Cheryl Jones.
"By embedding hands-on, immersive learning into our programs, we are ensuring graduates are well equipped to meet the evolving needs of patients and health systems across Australia," she added.
UNSW Pharmacy Academic Lead Associate Professor Ramesh Walpola said the simulation space would benefit both students and the wider health workforce.
"This brand-new space will enable our students to bridge the gap into new areas of practice, while also allowing current practitioners to come in, gain experience and take those skills back into the real world," Walpola said.
"It's about building confidence, capability and adaptability - qualities that are essential in today's evolving healthcare landscape," he added. JM
Photo supplied by Richard Freeman/UNSW.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 05 Feb 26
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 05 Feb 26
