The most modern medical education centre in Latvia opened at Riga East University Hospital

On 27 September, a Rīga Stradins University (RSU) study centre was opened at Riga East University Hospital (REUH) – the largest and most modern medical education centre in Latvia. The opening was attended by the Minister of Health Hosams Abu Meri, RSU Rector Aigars Pētersons, and the Chair of the Board at REUH Normunds Staņēvičs.

This marks the end of the ambitious and modern construction of the RSU study complex in the territory of REUH, which meets the requirements of medical education and environmental accessibility. The new study centre, which is the largest of the study facilities in Latvian hospitals, will embody the educational role of REUH as a university hospital, providing an excellent quality of education and expanding RSU's contribution to the patient care system as a whole.

‘Today we are witnessing an important milestone that will increase the potential for educational opportunities. With this inauguration of the new study complex, an ambitious cooperation project between RSU and REUH has come to an end. After seven years of work, we can today summarise our achievements in a very modern study space of approximately 2,000 square metres, where students will have access to classrooms and study rooms, as well as extended opportunities for the use of simulation technologies. This is not our last project, as RAKUS is our strategic partner, not only in educating students, but also in research, innovation development, and finding solutions for new industry projects,’ said RSU Rector Aigars Petersons inaugurating the new RSU Study Centre.

Haralds Plaudis, the representative of the hospital's board, also highlighted the role of the close partnership between RSU and REUH: ‘This is a huge event in Latvian medicine and Latvian medical education. This is an investment that we can measure in millions – an investment that we will reap the fruits of in five, ten, and even fifteen years to come, because both students and residents will be trained here. They are the ones who will be treatings us all in the future. RSU is one of our best partners, and thanks to this innovation project, the University has come into the hospital and become a trusted partner.’

Hosams Abu Meri, a graduate of RSU and the Minister of Health of Latvia, also acknowledged that medical education plays an important role in the development of the sector. ‘I am very pleased to be able to attend the opening of the RSU Study Centre today, which would not have been possible when I was studying medicine. I think that upgrading competences is crucial for physicians, and not only for students, but for every physician who has to continue learning throughout their career.’

During three construction phases between 2016 and August 2023, RSU has modernised and adapted more than 2,000 square metres of space to meet modern requirements (approximately 1,000 m2 in the first phase, 268 m2 in the second phase and 988 m2 in the third phase). Since 2016, a total of 3.2 million EUR from RSU's own funds has been invested in developing the study centre.

Students and medical professionals will have access to multifunctional simulation rooms, as well as one larger lecture room with a capacity of 170 students and a lounge area. The study and simulation rooms will vary in capacity from 15 to 280 students per room, with a daily capacity of around 400 students. The study centre will also have a lift, making it accessible to everyone.