Improved Student Health Clinic Space at Trent University Improves Usability for Students
With help from local funders and MPP, Student Health Services at Trent celebrates new clinic space
At a special event held at Trent University earlier today, MPP and alumnus Jeff Leal ‘74 joined Trent staff and students, as well as representatives from Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation and Peterborough Kawartha Rotary Club, for a tour of the newly renovated student health clinic, all as part of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario’s (RNAO) Take your MPP to Work initiative.
“I am thrilled to welcome our partners who funded some unique projects this year. As a result of their support, we are fulfilling our goals for an inclusive space that meet students’ clinical needs - but also helps them feel welcome,” said Ruth Walker, manager of Student Health Services at Trent. “When students arrive to Trent, many are accessing healthcare for the first time on their own. We want this to be a place where they feel comfortable asking for help.”
At the event, two new features of the clinic space, both of which support the Student Wellness Centre’s Biopsychosocial model of care, were highlighted: an accessible barrier-free exam table, funded by the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundations; and therapeutic artwork, funded by the Peterborough Kawartha Rotary Club.
The Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation, also known as Your Family Health Team Foundation, funded a barrier free examination table which allows health services to better provide care and support the dignity of students unable to access a standard exam table. Having an accessible examination table within the clinic supports an inclusive environment and service.
“We are very pleased to be able to support Student Health Services at Trent,” said Laura Kennedy, executive director, GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation. “A barrier free examination table is a basic need of every primary care clinic in order to ensure all patients can appropriately access the care they require. The team at Trent Health Services has done an exceptional job of creating an inclusive, safe space and we are proud to be a partner of their patient circle of care.”
Through the financial support of the Peterborough Kawartha Rotary Club, Health Services commissioned two local artists to create nature-based art pieces for the clinic space. Students experiencing general anxiety associated with visiting a doctor’s office will have the direct benefit of the calming artwork. Local artist Cherylanne James, an Anishinaabekwe from Rama First Nation, is creating two art pieces. A painter, writer and photographer, Ms. James utilizes her knowledge teachings and education to express her thoughts through painting. Additionally, a large focal piece has been created for the waiting area by local artist Brianna Gosselin.
“When the manager of Student Health Services approached me with this project I was eager to jump in and begin right away. The Trent University campus has always been an inspiring environment to me,” said Ms. Gosselin. Health Services expresses their sincere gratitude to the Peterborough Kawartha Rotary Club for enabling this therapeutic art initiative.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham – Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
Kate Weersink, media relations & strategic communications officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or kateweersink@trentu.ca