The Inner West will soon have a new training facility for medical, nursing and psychology students on the grounds of Wesley Hospital in Ashfield.

Federal Member for Grayndler Anthony Albanese today announced that the Gillard Labor Government would provide up to $2,691,420 for the facility which will provide a library, counselling rooms, seminar rooms and offices for students and supervisors.

“This project will provide a multidisciplinary approach to clinical training for students with first hand experience in how health professionals work together to treat patients with a wide variety of complex mental health disorders,” said Mr Albanese.

Wesley Mission for Wesley Hospital Ashfield will lead this project. It will benefit students within the disciplines of medicine (psychiatry), nursing and psychology provided by the University of NSW, the University of Western Sydney and the University of Technology Sydney.

The project will contribute to expanded training positions within the Sydney Metropolitan area; provide exposure to patients in an acute psychiatric context; and address training concerns in areas of professional workforce shortage (medical, nursing and psychology).

Wesley Mission estimates the project will be completed by June 2011.

The $2.7 million is being provided through the Gillard Government’s $90 million Innovative Clinical Teaching and Training Grants (ICTTG) program. The program is designed to use innovative models to increase the number of health professionals receiving clinical training.

“This initiative is one way we are working hard to provide more doctors and nurses. It will help support our additional 1200 GP training places and 1,100 nurses,” said Mr Albanese.

“It is also an important contribution to the treatment of mental health.”

Anthony is pictured at the funding announcement with Andrew Mitchell, Wesley Hospital's group manager, mental health and counselling.