A new, state-of-the-art, simulation centre was launched at Goodmayes Hospital last week, by the Clinical Effectiveness Team, which will enable mental health and community professionals to develop their skills in simulated scenarios.

The socially distanced opening of the Simulation Centre was attended by leaders across the Trust including Chief Executive, Professor Oliver Shanley OBE, and Chief Nurse, Stephanie Dawe. Liz Fenton, Deputy Chief Nurse at Health Education England, also attended the launch virtually.  

The centre which will provide bespoke training sessions creates a safe space for colleagues in clinical services to learn and update their skills and knowledge in a safe environment by using simulation to bring learning to life.

Moriam Adekunle, Associate Director of Nursing (Clinical Effectiveness) at NELFT, said: “We needed a space in NELFT that will enable staff to have a dedicated place to come in to and practice their clinical skills, and somewhere we could support our colleagues in mental health by developing their skills in physical health.

“I was fortunate enough to get through to the Florence Nightingale Scholarship and the project I focussed on was setting up the Sim Lab to support the physical health skills of colleagues in mental health. We want to provide the best care by the best people and there is a need around developing the skills and competencies of the colleagues who work in the organisation.”

Liz Fenton said: “I want to say a huge congratulations to you Moriam, and the team, for making this happen. You identified a need but you had the courage and commitment to run with that and make and that idea a reality.

“At Health Education England, we have a focus on ensuring we maximise the technology that is available to support both the current and the future workforce in their learning and development and this is a real innovative approach that you have taken at NELFT.”

The facilities include ‘Toni’, a high-fidelity computerised simulation manikin, which can be programmed to mimic crisis events such as respiratory failure and cardiac arrest, along with simulated body parts, virtual reality programmes and dedicated teaching space.

The launch featured a simulation scenario which showcased comprehensive clinical functionality of Toni. Clinical staff will be able to book individual sessions if required to hone their skills in a psychologically safe environment.