The third floor of the Medical Education Building will be used to facilitate research collaboration and for simulation labs for nursing and medical students under a plan approved Tuesday by the University's Board of Governors. The University will tender the project for completion of the space, which has been unused while the first two floors were opened to the Windsor program of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry in 2008. The project calls for research collaboration space of:
- a 60-seat lecture classroom;
- 24-seat seminar room;
- six group learning suites of eight to 14 seats each;
- interview and viewing rooms;
- a meeting room and a kitchenette.
Nursing facilities will include simulation and health assessment labs with viewing rooms, primary care and infection control isolation rooms, offices and a simulated patient area. Completing the features are a simulation lab with viewing room for medical students and a common area with student lounge and informal meeting spaces.
"We believe this new space will serve as a catalyst for medical research and community outreach," said Provost Leo Groarke. "It will advance key institutional goals—enhancing research, providing a first class student experience, and working with our local community to meet its health needs." The project, designed by DiMaio Design and Diamond + Schmitt, is slated to cost $4.2 million, funded by the provincial government in May 2009. More information, including a floor plan of the construction, is available on the Web site of the Board of Governors.