A new simulation centre will help train the next generation of junior doctors at Southmead Hospital.

Southmead Hospital Charity has funded the £80,000 facility at Southmead Hospital’s learning and research centre to train doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

The clinical simulation space, known as Sim Space Bristol, is set up like a hospital ward with manikins representing patients and healthcare teams carrying out scenarios that mimic actual situations.

An observation room behind one way glass has been built where the trainer will sit and observe trainees, recording their actions on cameras set up around the room.

A typical simulation scenario would be a junior doctor on call for the night asked to assess a deteriorating patient. Working with their team they would reach a diagnosis, before deciding upon a care plan and starting appropriate treatments.

The scenario may be made more demanding for the teams involved by adding communication barriers, challenging co-workers, or more complex clinical issues.

Curtis Whittle, consultant anaesthetist at North Bristol NHS Trust, said: “Simulation in a safe clinical environment is vital for education, research, and patient safety.

“Regular simulation provides a ‘stress inoculation’ which optimises learning, improves staff resilience to stress and allows them to identify patient safety threats in a safe environment, which can reduce the risk of medical error in actual practice.

“Creating an environment like this enhances our excellent education provision and builds on our commitment to patient safety."

Elizabeth Bond, head of fundraising at Southmead Hospital Charity, said: “The new clinical simulation space is a wonderful space that is really embracing technology to enhance medical training.

“One of the charity’s clear aims is to support projects that benefit future generations of healthcare professionals and the patients they treat.”