VU & Mercy Health enter into formal partnership

Victoria University (VU) and Mercy Health have formalised a partnership which will open new opportunities for staff and student training and development, create stronger pathways for graduate employment, and boost research collaboration across the health sector.

This formal alliance builds on a long history of collaboration between Victoria University and Mercy Health – the Memorandum of Understanding signed today by VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker and Mercy Health Chief Executive Health Services Clinton Cummins, signals a shared commitment to expand this work into the future.

"This most valued partnership is a celebration of hands-on learning and impact. In 2024 alone, Mercy Health placed more than 200 VU students into nursing, midwifery and physiotherapy – educating and empowering emerging health professionals," Professor Shoemaker said.

With this agreement, we are taking our collaboration to a higher level – across disciplines, and into vital areas of research.

Mr Cummins said the partnership formalises and deepens a long-standing collaboration between Mercy Health and Victoria University. 

"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," he said.

For second year VU nursing student David Schreurs, a recent placement at Mercy Health was invaluable in learning about the importance of creating a welcoming environment in healthcare settings.

"As well as applying clinical skills and reasoning, the Mercy team led the way in making me feel welcome, and that helped me feel comfortable with engaging with anybody in the space and supporting the sense of community with residents and their family members," he said.

VU and Mercy Health have committed to meaningful engagement and opportunities for collaboration through this Major Alliance partnership – planned initiatives include:

• Staff training, wellbeing and development through VU TAFE, and access to staff wellbeing options at VU.
• VU Curriculum Advice and Wyndham Tech School Mercy Health staff to assist in shaping skills and expertise of the next generation entering the workforce.
• Student placements will increase and diversify across multiple disciplines and locations.
• Graduate employment and volunteering opportunities available across health, allied health, support and facilities services.
• VU TAFE pathways to education and employment to be explored by both Mercy Health and VU.
• Research collaboration and funding opportunities in areas of joint interest in health, mental health and sustainability.