TD Bank Group donates $200,000 to TRU for mobile health-care unit

Photo: TRU

TD Bank has donated $200,000 for a mobile health-care training unit to be operated by Thompson Rivers University.

TRU’s Mobile Health Care Simulation Lab will allow rural B.C. students taking virtual classes to gain in-person training in their own communities.

The mobile unit intends to give health-care students the opportunity to complete their practicums.

“A shortage of nurses and health-care providers means people — especially those living in rural areas — are not getting the care they require,” said Rani Srivastava, dean of nursing at TRU.

“Thanks to TD’s support, our Mobile Health Care Simulation Lab can be part of the solution to develop capacity within communities.”

The lab will facilitate learning for any nursing and health program student, including the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Practical Nursing, Health Care Assistant and Respiratory Therapy.

"This program is a game changer,” said Bob Bayntun, TD’s district vice-president for B.C. Northern Interior and Yukon.

“It opens the door for people in rural and Indigenous communities to receive in-person training for careers in nursing and long-term care. ... The lab's launch comes at a critical time when our health-care system is under unprecedented strain, particularly in remote parts of our province.”

The simulation unit may also be used for other services in the future, such as a mobile vaccination unit or for TRU’s medical Laboratory Assistant program.