Local MP receives sneak peek of state-of-the-art digital health facilities at Birmingham Newman
Preet Gill MP was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Birmingham Newman University’s newly developed facilities for innovative health and digital learning.
Mrs Gill met with staff and students from the University’s Schools of Nursing and Allied Health, and Business and Law – all of whom provided insight into Birmingham Newman’s progressive approach to health education.
This approach has been further enhanced by a near £3m development of new, custom-built spaces. During the tour of the University campus in Bartley Green, Birmingham, Mrs Gill was introduced to a cutting-edge virtual reality hospital ward, designed as an extension to our current immersive learning spaces for students on the University’s health-related courses. The tour also took in the new Digital Learning Hub – an active learning space for staff and students with high-spec technology embedded to create a holistic digital experience – and an advanced computer science lab, home to our teaching of bioinformatics and digital health innovation.
The tour added to Mrs Gill’s ongoing relationship with Birmingham Newman as its local MP: Mrs Gill has been MP for Birmingham Edgbaston since 2017, and holds regular constituency surgeries at the University.
Professor Jackie Dunne, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham Newman University said:
“Our ethos has always been focused on structuring our students’ education to give them the best opportunities that they can have. As we continue to deliver on this promise, we are embracing digital technologies and adopting innovative approaches to teaching. This is the only way we ensure our students are fully equipped to meet changing workforce needs.
“We hope that, during today’s visit, Preet has seen first-hand how our investment into improving student experience contributes positively to the social and economic development of our region, providing nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists and health professionals who will contribute to the healthcare of our city’s population.”
Mrs Gill’s visit came days after the University was awarded ‘Nurse Education Provider of the Year (pre-registration)’ at the 2026 Student Nursing Times Awards. The new spaces at Birmingham Newman will be fully operational for staff and student use in late summer 2026.
Mrs Gill was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department of Health and Social Care last week, and is excited to get stuck into her new Ministerial role.
