Clinical Skills Development Service

CSDS turns 21

Today marks a special milestone for CSDS, we are turning 21! What began as a small program has grown into one of the largest healthcare simulation services in the southern hemisphere, training thousands of clinicians each year and supporting education across Queensland.

From small beginnings to statewide impact

CSDS started with a simple but powerful vision: to give healthcare workers a safe, supportive place to learn and practise before stepping into real clinical situations.

What began with a handful of simulations has since evolved into one of the world’s most advanced clinical skills development centres. Through our Pocket Centre Network, clinicians in regional, rural, and remote communities now have the same access to training as those in major hospitals. Each year, thousands of hours of learning take place, supported by our dedicated educators, faculty, and staff who bring simulation to life across the state.

Nursing Director CSDS Belinda Faulkner with Kate Copeland, First Project Officer behind CSDS at CSDSx20 Symposium.

More than simulation

While simulation remains at the core of what we do, CSDS has grown into much more. We continue to invest in:

  • Asset and facility management
  • Digital solutions
  • Research and innovation

These areas build on our foundations and ensure we remain responsive to the changing needs of the health workforce.

CSDSx20 Hackathon

Community at the heart

At CSDS, community takes many forms. It’s the learners who join our courses, the educators and faculty who run them, the statewide networks we support, and the partners we collaborate with across healthcare, research, and education. Collaborating with them ensures that our offerings are connected to the real-world needs of Queensland’s clinicians and patients.

Participants attend the Ultrasound Guided Central and Arterial Vascular Access pilot course at CSDS.

Looking ahead

As healthcare continues to evolve, so too will the ways we prepare clinicians. Our CSDS28 Strategy sets out the priorities that will guide us into the future:

  • Providing and optimising resources and support
  • Maintaining and growing partnerships
  • Strengthening and empowering our internal workforce

These priorities reflect our commitment to both the people we train and the people we work alongside every day.

CSDS attends the Government Innovation Showcase.

A thank you

To everyone who has been part of the CSDS journey over the past 21 years – thank you! Your energy, ideas, and dedication have made CSDS what it is today. We’re excited for what comes next, and we’re proud to continue advancing clinical skills for Queensland’s healthcare workforce.

Here’s to the next chapter!