A new Hospital and Primary Care Training Hub has been launched at the University of East London to support the development of health and science courses, preparing students to be career-ready for the NHS and health and social care workforce.

The inter-professional simulation suite is equipped with augmented and virtual reality equipment and virtual placement software. Cutting-edge tools include two high-tech patient simulator mannequins, who are able to display neurological as well as physiological symptoms including sweating and crying. The university is one of only two universities in Europe to have this technology.

Students from nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, public health, science, physician associate and sport courses will all learn together to demonstrate where their roles support and complement the delivery of safe and effective healthcare.

Professor Jane Perry, Dean of the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, said: “The learning spaces include a general ward, an intensive care unit and a flat to imitate an at home environment. UEL is one of only two universities in Europe to install a simulation mannequin (SimMan 3G) providing students with the chance to deal with high-pressure situations. The life-like mannequin is an advanced simulator able to display neurological as well as physiological symptoms including sweating and crying.

“An ambulance has been placed outside which will be used to support skill-based training through the use of role-play activities and scenario-based learning. The development of the various spaces will allow students to experience a range of clinical scenarios where they can reflect on human factors and improve their knowledge and skills for safe and effective high-quality care.

“These new spaces will also provide students with a full patient journey starting from their home to hospital, developing full exposure to a true patient journey and preparing them to be flexible and responsive in a changing healthcare arena.”

Phase two will start this summer. The Office for Students recently awarded a £2million grant which will go towards further works. These include a new flexible working space that resembles an accident and emergency department but can also be used for consulting, running clinics and rehabilitation.

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