A state-of-the-art simulation suite costing £300,000 has just been opened at Watford General Hospital.

The suite replicates an acute care environment and provides realistic training by enabling staff to take part in simulated scenarios, such as the management of an extremely unwell patient.

The suite includes a fully functional “Sim Man” that can replicate the behaviour of a patient by interacting realistically with the participants.

After the scenario has been completed, the sessions are relayed to a debrief room where feedback and discussion takes place. These debriefs are led by trained facilitators to encourage learning in a supportive environment.

Medical student Suraj Kadiwar was full of praise for the new facility, saying: “Simulation is an amazing educational experience that provides a realistic and interactive setting to practise clinical skills.”

The simulation suite was funded partly by West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust’s League of Friends, who donated £60,000.

The remaining £250,000 was provided by a grant which the trust applied for through Sign up to Safety, a national initiative to help NHS staff care for patients in the safest way possible. 

The suite was opened on Thursday with a speech by Dr Ratna Makker – anaesthesia consultant at west Herts hospitals.

There was also a demonstration of the simulation man by Bruce Kerr, which highlighted the importance of simulation in hospitals.

Watford Borough council vice chairman Cllr Rabi Martins cut the ribbon to officially open the suite, while Norman Tyrwhitt – chairman of the League of Friends – unveiled the plaque.