New Simulated Baby To Train Midwives And Nurses

University invests in new simulated baby to train midwives, nurses and operating department practitioners. Canterbury Christ Church University has invested in a computer-controlled mannequin of a baby for student midwives, nurses and operating department practitioners to use to practice medical procedures.

The simulated baby is the latest addition to a family of computer controlled mannequins, known as ‘SimMan’, that reside at the University’s Chatham Campus, situated on the Universities at Medway site.

‘SimMan’ mannequins allow trainee healthcare professionals to practice clinical interventions in a safe and supportive environment and thus develop and perfect their clinical skills.  The mannequins can be programmed to simulate a range of medical conditions many of which require the students to take immediate and appropriate action to resolve. The students’ performance and actions are monitored and video taped for debriefing.

Director of Canterbury Christ Church University’s Chatham Campus, Peter Milburn,
said: “The ‘SimBaby’, and its other ‘family members’, provide an excellent learning vehicle for our student Nurses, Midwives and Operating Department Practitioners.  They represent ‘state of the art’ learning technology and compliment the excellent clinical learning environment at the Canterbury Christ Church University at Medway Campus’

A demonstration of the new ‘SimBaby’ took place on Thursday 8th March at Rowan Williams Court. After the ‘SimBaby’ demonstration, two other student demonstrations took place which enabled the local community to learn more about the activities of students at the campus.  This included two 10-minute radiography and occupational therapy demonstrations by staff and students in the University’s clinical skills laboratory which contains an x-ray suite and occupational therapy skills laboratories with specially adapted bathroom, bedroom and kitchen.

The second demonstration was given by trainee police officers, who are studying Certificates of Higher Education at the University’s Chatham Campus as part of their training.

Peter Milburn added: “I am delighted to have welcomed the Deputy Lord Mayor and other guests to find out more about the University’s new ‘SimBaby’ and to witness the skills of some of our many talented students and staff.”