BORDERS College gave stakeholders a first look at new 'Tech Enhanced Care' equipment this week.

Guests were invited to a tour of two new facilities to be used by college students.

One room is a mock-home and the other is an acute ward. Both of these classrooms are filled with state of the art equipment including a Nursing Anne Simulator, Resus Anne QCPR Torso and new digital cameras to observe how students practice.

Visitors were shown 15 minute demonstrations on how the equipment works. NHS Borders employed students and SB Cares staff displayed the uses of the facilities and how they will be used for teaching and training purposes.

The interactive learning spaces were provided as part of the Borders College Technology Enhanced Care Hub (BTECH) in partnership with the South of Scotland Economic Partnership (SoSEP). The Hub's aim is to address the shortage of care staff within the region and to provide further training for current care staff to be able to use up to date technologies.

Alongside the new equipment, new learning resources have also been implemented to provide another layer of teaching, especially for remote learners, which is vital for rural areas.

Assistant Principal, Jayne Gracie said: "This SoSEP initiative has been great in terms of enabling us to develop our curriculum here at Borders College.

"We have created a complete digitally enhanced interactive learning environment that covers not just new practical skills development around the use of technology-enabled care, helping to support individuals both in acute settings and a home environment but, also to upskill staff and students in the delivery of on line learning.

"BTECH has provided us with a modern learning platform that we can further develop in the future."

SoSEP has enabled the college to provide its Acute and Community Care qualification through funding to expand pre-existing curriculum.

Borders College Principal, Angela Cox added: "Today is a result of partnership working at its best.

"Our collaborative approach to developing this provision supports our continued focus on delivering excellence and ensuring people in the Borders have access to the best learning opportunities that results in sustainable employment."

The BTECH equipment is already being used by students and professionals and will officially launch in December.