Kindersley’s new healthcare lab opens, marking milestone in regional education
By Joan Janzen
Kindersley’s new healthcare lab at Great Plains College officially opened on September 23, marking a major milestone in healthcare education for the region. The grand opening brought together students, staff, and community partners to celebrate the completion of the project and the launch of hands-on training for future healthcare professionals.
Brad Mahon, president of Great Plains College, welcomed guests and acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the lab. “This is a proud moment for the college and the community,” he said. “We appreciate everyone’s hard work who played an important role in making this possible.”
Great Plains College celebrates the opening of its new healthcare lab, made possible by a $25,000 naming rights sponsorship from Kindersley & District Co-op. The state-of-the-art facility will provide hands-on training for students in the Practical Nursing and Continuing Care Assistant programs. PICTURED (L-R): Keleah Ostranter, VP of Students and Programming; Brad Mahon, President & CEO, Great Plains College; Kim Gartner, Kindersley MLA; Blair Ferner, General Manager, Kindersley & District Co-op; and Ken Francis, Mayor of Kindersley. PHOTO COURTESY GREAT PLAINS COLLEGE
Photos by Joan Janzen, click for larger images
Thanks to a generous $25,000 donation from the Kindersley & District Co-op, the lab will serve as a vital training space for students in the new Practical Nursing program, as well as the Continuing Care Assistant program. “We believe in the health and well-being of our community,” said Blair Ferner from the Co-op. “We’re proud to play a part in making this a reality.”
The lab, fully equipped with simulation tools and hands-on learning equipment, allows students to practice real-life healthcare scenarios in a safe, supportive environment. Kylie Bradley, lead instructor for the Practical Nursing program, said the spacious lab and smaller class sizes ensure students receive more individual instruction, preparing them to enter the workforce with confidence.
The inaugural cohort of 14 Practical Nursing students comes from across the region, including Kerrobert, Kindersley, Dodsland, Leader, Saskatoon, and Swift Current, while 24 Continuing Care Assistant students also use the space to develop essential skills.
Mayor Ken Francis and MLA Kim Gartner offered their congratulations. “This is a proud moment for the entire region,” said Gartner. He expressed hope that the students would remain in Kindersley and surrounding areas to contribute to local healthcare.
“The opening of the GPC Healthcare Lab represents the culmination of months of planning, construction, and collaboration with our partners,” Mahon added. “We’re thrilled to see the space come to life and to welcome nearly 40 students who will go on to serve the healthcare needs of the region.”
The new lab stands as a symbol of community investment in education and healthcare, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is well-prepared to care for families, friends, and neighbours throughout the region.