College opens cutting edge new hospital ward with special guests in attendance

Thursday 10th April

Hopwood Hall College and University Centre has officially opened its brand new hospital ward.

The college’s teams were joined by special guests as it held a ribbon cutting at the state-of-the-art learning space based at its Middleton Campus.

It’s here where learners studying Health and Social Care will develop the skills needed to pursue a wide range of careers in the sector.

The ward mirrors a real hospital setting and includes cutting-edge equipment such as Juno manikins.

These electronic ‘patients’ display hyper-realistic movements and symptoms for students to assess and prepare care plans for.

Hopwood alumnus Graham Dinn, who began his accomplished career in the borough, cut the ribbon during the ceremony that was also attended by healthcare professionals from across the borough and beyond.

Alongside his wife Trixie, he also announced a new award that will be presented annually to students at the college.

The Graham Abdullah Dinn Merit Award will recognise those learners who have excelled while studying Health and Social Care.

It comes as the college continues to expand its offering for people of all ages looking to gain the skills that will allow them to thrive in the sector.

This includes the popular T-Levels in Supporting the Adult Nursing Team and Supporting the Mental Health Team.

In addition, last year Hopwood announced a groundbreaking partnership with The Open University that now sees them offering a BA degree in Health and Social Care, which is welcoming applications from September 2025.

Julia Heap, Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College and University Centre, said:

“It was wonderful to welcome special guest visitors to campus and show them why it’s such an exciting time to be studying Health and Social Care at Hopwood Hall!

“The new ward is just one of the amazing facilities that our learners are training in as they begin their journeys into a series of rewarding careers.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Graham Dinn for joining us for the ceremony and for supporting our students through this new merit award.”