A REPLICA hospital ward and elderly person’s home has opened at South Cheshire College in Crewe.

The college’s Health and Social Care department has launched a Skills Development Academy, which is sponsored by the mobility chain, Ableworld.

The new replica hospital ward and elderly person’s home will give students the chance to carry out practical work and learn more about hospital and domiciliary care.

Stacey Rutter, lecturer in health and social care, said: “We are really excited about the centre of excellence and are very grateful to Ableworld who have played a huge part in helping us to get this project up and running.

“Having a facility like this on site will provide lots of benefits for our students, giving them a real life working space to practice their skills and the room will also benefit the local community as well.”

The facility has been decked out with hospital beds, infection control equipment, a hoist along with a reclining bath, a wet room, a rise and recline chair and a stair lift.

Ableworld, which has branches in Crewe and Nantwich, provides a range of disabled and mobility aids to help elderly customers enjoy greater independence and more active lives.

Michelle Mossford, marketing manager for Ableworld UK Ltd, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work in partnership with South Cheshire College on such an important initiative.

“We truly believe this will be an invaluable opportunity for the students in helping them understand the day to day issues that both the disabled and elderly encounter.”