BIRKENHEAD'S new high-tech nurse training facility has opened its doors.

Based at the former Old Market House in Hamilton Street, Marriss House opened its doors to prospective students on September 1 for an open day.

Named after Professor Dorothy Marriss, who was the first Dean of the university’s Faculty of Health and Social Care and former deputy vice-chancellor, the new building will contain a fully-equipped skills laboratory, made to resemble a state-of-the-art hospital ward.

This will include virtual reality equipment and offer the space and technology to allow student nurses to practice clinical skills before taking part in work experience at hospitals and in the community.

It also contains classrooms of various sizes, smaller rooms for group work and a fully-stocked library.

Students on the Bachelor of Nursing programme, who were based on the university’s premises at the Clatterbridge Hospital site, have transferred to the new building, along with academic and professional services staff.