Last week, Mercy Health and Victoria University (VU) formalised a new partnership to strengthen the future health workforce, expand research opportunities and create clearer pathways from education to employment.
At a launch event held at VU’s Wyndham Tech School, Mercy Health Chief Executive Health Services Clinton Cummins and VU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Adam Shoemaker signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The event celebrated a long-standing collaboration between the two organisations and featured engaging contributions from Mercy Health and VU leaders, as well as a student panel with recent Master of Physiotherapy graduate Bridget and current nursing student Dave, both of whom have completed clinical placements at Mercy Health.
Guests also enjoyed interactive demonstrations with VU’s Boston Dynamics robot dog, Spot, and humanoid robot Pepper, who delighted the audience by reacting to each speaker – a playful nod to the role of technology and innovation in shaping the future of healthcare and education.
Building on a strong foundation
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence in care, education and inclusion and will deliver tangible benefits across both organisations and the communities they serve.
Through this agreement, Mercy Health and VU have committed to:
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Expanding student placements, graduate employment and volunteering opportunities across health, allied health, support and facilities services
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Strengthening staff training, wellbeing and professional development through VU TAFE programs
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Supporting curriculum development and workforce readiness through VU’s Curriculum Advisory and Wyndham Tech School initiatives
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Exploring research and funding opportunities in areas of mutual interest, including hospital services, mental health and sustainability
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Collaborating on innovation projects that improve health outcomes for diverse communities
Clinton Cummins said the partnership was an exciting opportunity to deepen the existing relationship between the two organisations:
“Together, we’re building stronger pathways from education into employment, strengthening the future health workforce and opening new doors for research and innovation that will improve outcomes for our communities. We’re proud to partner with an institution that shares our values and commitment to excellence in care, education and inclusion.”
Professor Adam Shoemaker said Victoria University was equally enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead:
“Mercy Health placed more than 200 students across nursing, midwifery and physiotherapy in 2024, making them one of our most important partners in work-integrated learning. We look forward to growing this, extending it to other disciplines, and capitalising on the research expertise across both organisations to collaborate on projects that will drive real impact.”
Mercy Health is proud to be working with Victoria University to develop a skilled, compassionate workforce and to shape a healthier future for all.
VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker and Mercy Health Chief Executive Health Services Clinton Cummins signing the MOU
VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker, nursing student David Schreurs, physiotherapy student Bridget McKenna, Mercy Health Chief Executive Health Services Clinton Cummins
