Purpose-built by NHS Grampian and the University of Aberdeen, The Suttie Centre is a teaching and learning centre at the heart of the Foresterhill Health Campus for use by students, healthcare staff, health practitioners and the general public, bringing everyone together in the centre of this healthcare community.
Opened in 2009, the centre aims to promote lifelong learning in a multi-professional environment. Set as a focus and home for learning for staff and students alike, the centre provides excellent amenities, space and support to optimise the learning experience.
Some of the key features of the Suttie Centre include:
- Anatomy teaching space and a resource centre designed for the modern teaching of anatomy and its links to radiology and other medical/surgical specialities.
- Purpose-built NHS training rooms to provide a range of clinical and non-clinical training and development opportunities.
- A simulated ward area where students and staff will learn essential and advanced clinical skills in a safe and secure environment.
- Comfortable facilities for the dedicated group of patient partners who support the teaching of clinical skills.
- A 236-seat lecture theatre allowing Aberdeen to host national and international conferences.
- An advanced tele-technology infrastructure - an IT suite running the most up-to-date training applications and a range of innovative simulators including the UK's first 'sim-baby.'
- Modern teaching, learning and discussion facilities including break-out areas, a café and social spaces which encourage interprofessional learning and working.
The Centre also works hard to extend learning to the wider community and offers a constantly evolving programme of public engagement events working with a vast variety of audience levels. The Centre also engages with health-focused groups and charities to help them provide education and public engagement in their specialist fields.
As well as an educational establishment, the Suttie Centre acts as a social hub and informal meeting place for everyone from those simply wishing to have a coffee in the Aberbean Cafe to families celebrating graduation to retirement functions. The Centre regularly hosts visits from alumni and class reunions.
The Suttie Centre was built as part of the Matthew Hay Project. Professor Hay (1855-1932) served as Aberdeen's Medical Officer of Health for 35 years and chose the Foresterhill site to pioneer the integration of healthcare services, medical education and research in a single location in the city. The development of The Suttie Centre continues that spirit of pioneering education in healthcare and medicine.
The building has been named in recognition of a generous gift from local businessman, Mr Ian and Mrs Dorothy Suttie.
The Suttie Centre was the winner of the 2008 BREEAM BESPOKE Category Award for its environmental considerations.