TORONTO – The McGuinty government is improving the education of nurses by investing a further $10 million this year in clinical simulation equipment, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced today.

"Nurses are a critical part of any quality health care system, and we have a responsibility to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need," Smitherman said. "his clinical simulation equipment will help nursing students become better prepared through hands on clinical practice."

Clinical simulators are anatomically correct computer-run mannequins designed to exhibit signs and symptoms of injury or illness and responses to treatments just as a human does. Ontario is the first province to embrace this important innovation in nursing education.

"This announcement clearly demonstrates how government and nursing education are working together to further our shared agenda to prepare registered nurses who provide the highest quality of care to the people of Ontario." said Kileen Tucker Scott, Chair of the Council of Ontario University Programs of Nursing.

"This initiative will help practical nursing students gain valuable skills to provide quality patient care," said Joanne Young Evans, Executive Director of the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario. "The announcement shows the government's support for all categories of nurses in ensuring access to clinical simulation equipment at all schools offering nursing education in Ontario."

This is the second consecutive year that funding is being made available to nursing schools for the purchase of clinical simulators. It is part of the government's $145 million nursing strategy, which aims to improve access to full-time employment opportunities and to enhance working conditions for nurses in Ontario's hospitals.

This $10 million announcement includes $2.95 million that will be used to develop Clinical Centres of Excellence for key nursing priorities including critical care continuing education, northern nursing education, aboriginal nursing education, and rural nursing education. A call for applications for the development of Clinical Centres of Excellence will open in December and close in mid-January.

This initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan to build a better health care system that delivers on three priorities - providing better access to doctors and nurses, keeping Ontarians healthy and reducing wait times.

For further information :

Members of the general public : (416) 327-4327, or (800) 268-1154

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