MP turns nurse at University’s virtual hospital

West Lancashire's MP swapped her political hat for some ‘hands on' health care experience at Edge Hill University's innovative real-life hospital setting.

The Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre, which looks and feels like a hospital ward, has a family of computerised manikins who can breathe, choke and cry just like patients. The facility provides trainee nurses, midwives, paramedics, operating practitioners and qualified staff the opportunity to practise their skills in a safe, realistic setting.

When Rosie Cooper MP heard about the practical learning environment for students she was so impressed she decided to come along to the Ormskirk campus to see how it all works.

During her visit on 19^th August she was able to carry out a variety of techniques that students use when dealing with ill patients in health-scare scenarios.

Afterwards, Rosie commented: "I have a great interest in medicine and the NHS. When I heard about the simulators at Edge Hill University I thought it was a fantastic way of teaching health students practical skills and wanted to come along to find out more. A lot of money has been spent on the manikins but they are worth every penny, the benefits are huge in terms of training opportunities and increasing the confidence of students who would perhaps feel a lot more nervous practising on real patients. Things certainly have moved on from my days as a dental student. Learning and gaining experience at a superb University in a less pressurised environment is fantastic for Edge Hill's students and their future patients. It is such a phenomenal training facility that I hope it goes from strength to strength and I'm delighted that it is here in my constituency."

Cheryl Conroy, Senior Lecturer in Operating Department Practice and Clinical Skills Manager taught Rosie some practical skills on the day. She said: "It was great to have had Rosie here and she was very enthusiastic about what we do at the Centre. We were more than happy to share our expertise with Rosie and show her how this high-quality facility allows students to gain first-hand on-the-job experience."

The Centre is very popular with students and can even be used by qualified staff who want to enhance their skills further. Tutors step back and monitor their students via webcam, teaching them to work independently and as a team - just as they would outside the classroom.

Brenda Harris, Senior Lecturer and Clinical Skills Manager, said: It's a very powerful way of learning. It's about challenging practices and reflecting - not just learning skills. The students need to think critically and we are developing them up until the time they qualify, and ultimately, until they retire."

Plans for the future for the Centre include a dedicated simulation area, with two-way mirrors, a virtual ward, theatre scrub sinks and more.

The Faculty of Health is one of the main providers of education for the health and social care staff in the North West and Merseyside, training over 4000 professionals a year.