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St Saviour’s College Health Hub Is Setting the Pulse of Health Care

Two girls smiling in nurse uniforms one is holding a blood pressure measuring device and the other has the cuff around her arm
SSC Health Hub - Paige Mills and Hope Meldrum

St Saviour’s College Health Hub Is Setting the Pulse of Health Care

Story By: Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office

St Saviour’s College Toowoomba has recently announced the expansion of its Health Hub program offerings to meet the growing demand for health training in the Darling Downs region. Now in its fourth year of operation, the Health Hub has doubled its program to accommodate the influx of students across the region.

Principal Jessica Wade expressed excitement about the program’s extension and highlighted the alignment between industry-standard training and the school’s mission.

“As a Mercy school, we have always aimed to educate women who serve their communities in practical ways, such as caring for the sick, elderly, and vulnerable,” Mrs Wade said.

The St Saviour’s College Health Hub has been an incredible success and serves as a valuable asset to the Toowoomba community. Mrs Wade proudly stated, “More than half of our university-bound Year 12 students from last year have moved into health related courses this year.”

In 2024, the Health Hub will also welcome students from Mary MacKillop Catholic College Highfields, Assumption College Warwick, St Mary’s College and St Joseph’s College Toowoomba. This increased demand has prompted the hub to expand its program from one day per week to two days.

The health sector is experiencing significant growth in Toowoomba and the wider Darling Downs region.

According to the Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Economic report for December 2023, health care and social assistance employment make up almost 20% of all jobs in the Toowoomba region. Furthermore, the region has received a $1.3 billion investment in constructing the new Toowoomba Hospital.

The success of the Health Hub can be attributed to several factors. Mrs Wade explained, “Our students show a passionate drive to help and assist others. The qualifications we offer provide a work-ready pathway to university, and our dedicated health centre simulation room and passionate educators contribute to the overall success of the program.”

The vision for the Health Hub came from St Saviour’s College Career Development Practitioner, Mr Chris Grierson. “Our goal has always been to respond to the needs of our community while equipping students with qualifications that support their career goals,” Mr Grierson said.

When asked about the number of graduates pursuing university studies in nursing and health, Mr Grierson is pleased that students were inspired to pursue careers in this field. “The program has gone from strength to strength. It is a privilege to support students in finding their passion, and I am incredibly proud of what the St Saviour’s College Health Hub has accomplished.”

Graduates with qualifications from the Health Hub are now in high demand in the region’s caring, nursing, and aged care sectors. For more information about St Saviour’s College Health Hub, please visit ssctwb.catholic.edu.au website under SCC Life, Learning in Years 10-12.