Duke of Kent officially opens School of Medicine

Published: 14 June 2019 at 15:51

HRH The Duke of Kent with university staff and students

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:

“It is a great honour for ARU to welcome His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent to open our fantastic School of Medicine, and to welcome back many key individuals and organisations who have been so supportive of this development since we announced our plans four years ago.

“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.”