John Key opens Whitireia Paramedic Learning Centre

John Key opens Whitireia Paramedic Learning Centre.

At the opening of the Paramedic Learning Centre at Whitireia Community Polytechnic on Wednesday 11 March, Prime Minister John Key reflected on the personal stake he places on education and on the development of the health sector.

“My view is that education is a liberator. My mother was always extremely demanding about education, making sure we did our homework, went to school and had the aspirations we did. If I hadn’t understood that value from my mother, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

“We are extremely dedicated to workforce issues in the health sector and are aware that we need to invest a lot in the education of our health providers, said Key. We support what Whitireia is doing, the role that you all are playing in supplying graduates to front our health systems.”

The Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic) has been offered at Whitireia for five years now and has grown considerably in size. The need for a dedicated laboratory and learning space for the Paramedic students has finally been realised with a new Learning Centre. It has been developed by refitting existing prefabricated buildings.

“The degree has an excellent reputation, says Programme Leader Mary Manderson. The numbers of enrolments grow each year and we have reached the point where we need dedicated facilities.”

The course is run in collaboration with Wellington Free Ambulance. Chairman Shann Stevens gifted John Key with his own paramedic jacket. Stevens promised to deliver a replacement jacket with 'Prime Minister' in place of the title 'Paramedic' across the back. Key remarked that “Paramedics could really come in handy when I come out of a parliament question session.”

Whitireia is a leading “supplier” of graduates to the health systems: with industry based skills and knowledge, ready for the workforce. With 80 students currently on the three year paramedic course, past graduates have been employed at Wellington Free Ambulance, St John’s and overseas. As one of only two providers of this degree in New Zealand, Whitireia is developing graduates to fill an important need.

Attending the event was Hon Tariana Turia, Hekia Parata MP, her Worship Jenny Brash, Mayor of Porirua and Nathan Guy, Senior Whip and Otaki MP.

Photo: John Key in the paramedic jacket presented to him at the launch of the Whitireia Paramedic Learning Centre today. Next to him is Don Campbell, Chief Executive at Whitireia Community Polytechnic.

ENDS

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