The University of West Scotland (UWS) has launched a cutting-edge facility aiming to develop the skills of healthcare students.

UWS’s new state-of-the-art Pre-Hospital Simulation Centre, situated at the University’s Lanarkshire Hamilton campus, is a first-of-its-kind space that provides students with simulation-based education.

Healthcare students can develop and practice ‘discipline-specific’ skills at the centre and will have the opportunity to take part in interactive, simulated medical emergencies.

Areas such as paramedic science, nursing, midwifery, and health and social care can all be taught through realistic scenarios where students will use their assessment and clinical decision-making skills to treat patients in a controlled environment.

Commenting on the new facility, Julie Edgar, Dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences, said: “It is fantastic to see our new Pre-Hospital Simulation Centre officially open and I am extremely proud of our students from the Paramedic Society for using this opportunity to host a CPR-athon to support the British Heart Foundation.

“The new immersive facility uses bespoke indoor and outdoor complex scenarios to provide students with the opportunity to experience working within a multidisciplinary team and reflect and adapt their skills and decision-making.

“Scenarios such as a crime scene or workplace environments can also be created to support our forensic science, occupational safety and health and safety students.

“High fidelity simulation is an important part of the learning experience, as it helps close the gap between theory and practical application.”

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The facility was officially opened by UWS’s Provost and Deputy Principal, Dr Lucy Meredith, as part of an event attended by UWS staff, students, and stakeholders.

The event also included the Scottish Ambulance Service, NHS Education for Scotland, and the University’s partner NHS health boards.

UWS said that the new centre is the latest high-tech facility to open at its £110 million Lanarkshire campus, which also houses Scotland’s highest specification environmental chamber and simulated nursing and midwifery teaching environments.

Commenting on the new facility, Dr Meredith said: “I am delighted to launch the University’s new Pre-Hospital Simulation Centre. It is a fantastic facility which will give our healthcare students access to cutting-edge training opportunities to enhance their clinical skills.

“At UWS, we are committed to providing our students with progressive and distinctive higher education.

“With access to sector-leading facilities such as these, we are truly developing our students to become universal, world-ready and successful graduates.”

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