State-of-the-art manikins are the centre piece of a new simulation suite at Basildon Hospital that will help improve patient care, by helping doctors better train for a range of medical situations.
The five hi-tech dummies in the suite come in a range of ages and shapes, including a premature baby, an infant, a pregnant adult, and a male adult, all with the ability to realistically mimic breathing, blinking, produce heartbeats, even talk and scream, giving life-like responses to different medical procedures which can be picked up by vital signs monitors.
This means doctors can practise a range of real-life scenarios, including life pre-cardiac arrest, ventilation, childbirth, major trauma and help the manikins ‘recover’ so they can take those skills and learning forward with real-life patients.
Wilson Alvares, Simulation and Clinical Skills Lead at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am very proud to be part of the journey in the expansion of the simulation suite and clinical skills centre.
“With a range of modern facilities, including a fully functional four-bedded simulated ward, the new suite will help us to enhance simulation training for our staff, where they will be able to manage various complex and critical scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.”
As well as featuring the training manikins, the new suite features virtual reality equipment, and advanced imaging devices. These will help doctors across the Trust to gain the experience in emergency medical conditions and critical care that they need to provide to patients.
Through the latest ultra-realistic simulators and virtual reality, the suite also lets doctors practise heart, lung, abdominal, and gynaecological ultrasound scans, and perfect their skills.
Dr Johnson Samuel, Group Director of Medical Education and Consultant Respiratory Physician at the Trust, said: “I am very pleased that we have the new state-of-the-art simulation suite where our dedicated team of trainers will run a variety of simulation and virtual reality training programmes for our students, trainees, and staff. In addition to improving patient safety, this centre will make training attractive to the staff and help us to recruit and retain high-quality staff”.
