A state-of-the-art health education centre has been unveiled at St Vincent's Health.

The centre incorporates the most advanced hospital-based surgical laboratory in the Southern Hemisphere—it can be used to teach advanced skills to surgeons using computer-guided equipment.

The laboratory also links to external lecture theatres and to St Vincent's Hospital operating theatres allowing a combination of learning and supervision scenarios.

The centre has breakout rooms, where smaller groups can receive briefings or can link to any other room in the centre via touch screen technology.

There are also separate rooms where all health staff can receive training on anatomy and techniques—using mannequins or model limbs.

The centre also houses Vincent—St Vincent's high-tech medical model, used to simulate a wide range of medical conditions to put doctors, nurses, surgeons and anaesthetists through their paces.

St Vincent's Health Chief Medical Officer Professor Peter Choong said the centre would revolutionise health education in Australia.

'It is the first time such a multi-disciplinary learning facility has been developed on a health campus in Australia and it is one of only a handful in the world.

'The technology is absolutely cutting edge making this centre the finest of its type that has the capacity to link physically and electronically to a major tertiary teaching hospital.'

Professor Choong said St Vincent's Health had always been passionate about health education.

It was this passion that led the organisation, under the Sisters of Charity, to make the significant financial commitment to develop the centre, Professor Choong said.

Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said the new education and training centre would be a valuable addition to the excellent training Victoria's surgeons already received.

'This facility is not just an asset for St Vincent's, it is also an asset for Victoria,' said Ms Pike.

'Specifically in terms of surgical training, it will enable large numbers of surgeons or trainees to learn advanced or new surgical techniques.'

Professor Choong said the centre would be commercially available to other healthcare organisations and would enhance the training they would ordinarily receive.

'We have found training and support are significant factors in attracting and retaining healthcare staff, so this centre is a sound investment in the future.

'We have worked closely with health industry groups and universities to ensure the design and capabilities of the centre reflect what is needed to lead health education into the future.

'It is a facility that can be utilised by a wide range of multi-disciplinary groups and is supported by an expert staff of educators who can design, implement and evaluate programs to suit clients' needs,' Professor Choong said.