Kindersley’s new healthcare lab is a milestone in education

By Joan Janzen

Kindersley’s new healthcare lab at Great Plains College is officially open. This milestone in healthcare education was officially unveiled on the morning of September 23rd when Brad Mahon, the president of Great Plains College welcomed their guests to tour the facility. “We want to recognize the people who made this possible,” Brad said. “We appreciate everyone’s hard work who all played an important role in making this possible.”

Kyle Bradley, lead instructor, and the students enrolled in the new Practical Nursing Program are excited about the new training space at Great Plains College in Kindersley. The healthcare lab was officially opened on September 23rd. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

Thanks to a generous donation of $25,000 from the Kindersley Co-op, the lab will serve as a training space for the college’s 24 Continuing Care Assistant students, as well as the new Practical Nursing program.

“We believe in the health and well-being of our community,” Brad Ferner from the Co-op, said. “We’re proud to play a part in making this a reality.”

Mayor Ken Francis and MLA Kim Gartner offered their congratulations. “This is a proud moment for the entire region,” Kim Gartner said. “Congratulations to Kindersley Co-op and Great Plains College for coming together for this project.” He hoped the students enrolled at the College would stay and work in Kindersley and area.

Kylie Bradley, lead instructor for the new program, said the spacious lab allows the students to have hands-on practice. It features equipment and simulation tools that allow students to practice real-life scenarios and enables students to be well prepared to enter the workforce.

It was obvious the fourteen students enrolled in the Practical Nursing program were excited about their new venture. They came from throughout the area including Kerrobert, Kindersley, Dodsland, Leader, Saskatoon and Swift Current, and expressed appreciation for the smaller class sizes which ensures they all receive more individual instruction, resulting in a greater success rate.

“This is a proud moment for the college and the community,” Brad Mahon said. We wish the new students great success as they begin their two-year diploma program this fall.