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Mock hospital will train next generation of nurses

University of Bedfordshire A mannequin wearing a wig and a gown lying in a hospital bed alongside another two mannequins sitting in a chairUniversity of Bedfordshire
The new facility uses simulations and mannequins to educate healthcare students

A new university facility which uses simulations and mannequins to train the next generation of health and care professionals has been unveiled.

The Brewster Square SIM Street, located at the University of Bedfordshire's campus in Luton, presents students with real-life scenarios.

The unit has a mock hospital ward, operating theatre and police custody suite.

Dr Alison Tresidder, executive dean for the faculty of health and social sciences, said the new facility "represents more than bricks and mortar".

"It is a testament to the University of Bedfordshire's commitment to excellence in education and innovation in training," she added.

"It is a supportive learning environment where students can identify skills they feel less confident on and practice – empowering them to manage their own learning."

University of Bedfordshire A man and a group of women stand over a mannequin lying in a hospital bed. There are five women standing over the mannequin.University of Bedfordshire
According to the NHS, there are 47,000 nursing vacancies in England

Students will use a simulation room at Luton, which generate a range of mock environments, such as nightclubs or car crash scenarios.

Named in honour of Annie Brewster, one of Britain's first Afro-Caribbean nurses, it is hoped the facility would help tackle the shortfall in the number of nurses in England.

Figures show there are 47,000 nursing vacancies in NHS England, with 25% of the workforce predicted to retire within the next 10 to 15 years.

University of Bedfordshire A mocked-up hospital room, including a bed and equipment, inside the new training facilityUniversity of Bedfordshire
The SIM Street facility has been named in honour of Annie Brewster, one of Britain's first Afro-Caribbean nurses

The university believed the new SIM Street could act as "a crucial step" in helping plug the gap by equipping the next generation of healthcare professionals.

"Simulation activity is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing students with an immersive, hands-on learning environment," said Dr Tresidder.

"It also helps us ensure students are ready to enter the real working world and it's pressures as confident, competent and resilient workers."

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