HSN serving up second Taste St. fundraiser

Health Sciences North's plans to begin construction on a new Learners Centre later this year should get a boost from the second annual Taste St. fundraising event March 27.

Last year, the inaugural Taste St. event, with food and drink from a number of local restaurants – along with silent and live auctions – raised more than $75,000 for the hospital's simulation lab.

The lab, currently located at the former Memorial Hospital – now known as the Sudbury Outpatient Centre – will take up the new Learners Centre's fourth floor once it is completed.

The simulation lab features a number of advanced mannequins that can simulate breathing, pulses, blood pressure and sounds to replicate a patient's response to illness, injury and treatment.

In addition to the mannequins – which cost around $85,000 each – the lab has task trainers that help learners practice specific medical procedures.

In 2013-2014, more than 1,100 students and medical professionals used the simulation lab to improve their skills.

In 2014-2015, the lab has already welcomed more than 1,600 learners, said Suzanne Lortie-Carlyle, the lab's manager.

Health Sciences North's Learners Centre is expected to accommodate 2,000 learners each year in a 20,000-square-foot facility. It will include a library, classrooms and individual workstations.

About 10,000 square feet should be dedicated to the simulation lab, said Lortie-Carlyle.

The March 27 Taste St. event will feature dishes by the Keg Steakhouse and Grill, Marek Hospitality, and 14 other restaurants and drink providers.

Mary Lou Hussak, the executive director of the HSN Foundation, said they are aiming for at least 300 people to attend the event.

Tickets start at $100, and can be purchased by visiting www.hsnfTaste.ca or calling 705-523-7135.

“The more people come together for health care in our community the better off we all are,” Hussak said.