Junior doctors to benefit from new simulated training unit at NNUH

A new, state-of-the-art, training centre was launched at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) today (10 December), enabling junior doctors and healthcare professionals to develop their skills in simulated medical scenarios.

The NNUH Simulation Training and Research centre is based in the Centrum building within Norwich Research Park and was officially opened by NNUH Chief Executive Mark Davies.

“This is a very exciting development for us and reinforces our position as a leading regional teaching hospital,” he said. “We’re focused on ensuring that our junior doctors receive the highest level of training, and this centre enables them to practise their skills in a realistic and safe environment, enhancing the excellent training we already provide and making us an even more attractive hospital to work and study in.”

The suite is managed by Sharon McHugh, Medical Education Manager at NANIME (Norfolk and Norwich Institute for Multi-professional Education). “As well as improving our in-house training resources, the new suite will generate income by enabling us to become a simulation training hub for the region, providing courses for medical staff,’’ she said.

Medha Sule, Director of Medical Education, added: “Simulation-based medical education is an essential part of junior doctors’ curriculum, mandated by Health Education England, and enables them to perfect their skills, build their knowledge and work as part of a team in a wide variety of simulated scenarios, including surgical procedures. This enhances patient safety by thoroughly preparing them for real-life situations.”

The centre will also provide bespoke training sessions for healthcare professionals across the region, and will be conducting medical research projects.

The facilities include a “sim man”, which can be programmed to mimic crisis events such as respiratory failure and cardiac arrest, along with simulated body parts, virtual reality programmes, mock ward bays and dedicated teaching space.

“Simulation-based education is the new reality in the post-graduate medical curriculum,” said Suhas Kumar, NANIME Simulation Lead and Anaesthesia and Critical Care Consultant.
“We have developed simulation-based teaching programmes for junior doctors and specialty doctors, which will be delivered in this new facility.

“This simulation suit provides us the bespoke space, equipment and technology to mimic real hospital-like situations where the medical team can practise, learn and hone their skills. The tailored courses delivered in this simulation facility will provide plenty of exposure and experience to trainee doctors in delivering direct patient care and thus improving patient safety.”