Duke of Kent officially opens School of Medicine
HRH Duke of Kent tours Anglia Ruskin University’s state-of-the-art facilities
His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent has officially opened Anglia Ruskin University’s School of Medicine, the first medical school in Essex.
The Duke was given a tour of the facilities available to students during the 90-minute visit on Friday 14 June, and viewed the anatomy suite, mock GP consulting rooms and clinical skills laboratories.
He also had the chance to watch from the control room in the skills laboratories as a lecturer ran simulation tasks for students using high-fidelity mannequins.
During the visit, the Duke of Kent was introduced to Jennifer Tolhurst, Lord-Lieutenant of Essex; James Bettley, High Sheriff of Essex; Vicky Ford, MP for Chelmsford; Councillor John Jowers, Chairman of Essex County Council; Ben-Julian Harrington, Chief Constable of Essex Police; Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of ARU; and senior academic staff.
Clinicians from partner NHS trusts and general practices, who have supported the School of Medicine development, also attended.
Clare Panniker, joint chief executive of Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Mid Essex Hospitals NHS Trust and Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, gave a short speech.
Professor Watkins said:
“Our first cohort of 100 students are now coming towards the end of their first year, and they have been wonderful ambassadors for our university. I look forward to welcoming another cohort of new students in September, continuing our drive to provide the region with the doctors of the future.”