Northumbria University has
announced the return of its annual, free-to-attend, ‘Working Well in Healthcare’
event series, designed to foster collaboration across the healthcare industry
and address some of the most pressing workforce challenges facing the sector.
Taking place on 15 May
2025 between 9:30am and 4:00pm at Northumbria University’s City Campus – and
online – the one-day, hybrid conference will bring together health leaders from
across the UK to explore how simulated teaching environments and experiential
learning can help train the healthcare workforce of the future in a digital
age.
So far, the line-up of thought leaders and expert
speakers includes Professor Paula Holt MBE DL, Senior Nursing Advisor at the
Nursing and Midwifery Council, Professor Graham Wynn, Pro Vice-Chancellor for
Education at Northumbria University, Professor Alison Machin, Head of
Department for Nursing, Midwifery and Health at Northumbria University and
Chair of the Council of Deans of Health, and Professor John Unsworth OBE,
Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor for Health and Life Sciences at Northumbria
University and Chair of the Queen’s Nursing Institute with more to be announced
in the coming weeks.
A key highlight of the event will be the panel
discussion, ‘Myth-busting: the challenges, changes and concerns around
simulated practice’. This session will tackle common misconceptions about
simulated training in healthcare, addressing concerns about it replacing
traditional practice hours, while exploring how simulation-based training can significantly
benefit both learners and organisations.
Professor John Unsworth OBE, Deputy Pro
Vice-Chancellor for Health and Life Sciences at Northumbria University and Chair
of the Queen’s Nursing Institute said: “We’re delighted to host this event, which
will provide an invaluable platform for knowledge sharing, debate and
networking. The focus on experiential learning is timely in the light of
ever-increasing pressure on the NHS to grow and upskill its workforce and to find
more innovative and digital-led solutions to training.
“We have some of the most advanced simulated skills
environments for teaching and learning nationally and we are keen to see
further innovation so students’ experiences continue to evolve in line with
developments in the modernisation of healthcare delivery. Utilising the latest
simulation and virtual reality technology, the University is preparing its healthcare
learners for real-world scenarios, in turn improving patient safety.
“We’re looking forward to exploring this topic
further with delegates attending the event and will be tackling some of the
associated myths and misconceptions, as well as discussing ways in which the
sector can better collaborate to both deliver experiential learning
opportunities and ultimately to address the staffing and skills crisis facing
the industry today.”
Currently, the Clinical Skills Centre, located at the heart of Coach Lane Campus at
Northumbria University, is the focal point for health students’ educational
journey. State-of-the-art simulation facilities include: a peri-operative
suite complete with an anaesthetic room; hi-fidelity simulation mannequins that
produce altered physiology, including heart and lung rhythms, and are capable
of procedures such as surgical interventions and haematology sampling; and a
midwifery room including a birthing bed and hi-fidelity advanced birthing
mannequins that provide manual and automatic delivery to teach obstetric skills
during simple or complex birthing situations.
Looking to the future, Northumbria University is
developing a multi-million pound Centre for Health and Social Equity, known as
CHASE, which will bring together academics working on health, social care,
education, wellbeing and equity issues across the University’s City and Coach
Lane Campuses, into one central base in the heart of Newcastle.
Professor Graham Wynn, Pro Vice Chancellor for
Education at Northumbria University added: “CHASE aims to develop and harness
the University’s research, education and knowledge exchange expertise to help
meet the health and social needs of multiple stakeholders and communities in
the city, region and beyond.
“With the support of external funding, CHASE will increase
the available simulated skills space used to educate the public professions
workforce at Northumbria and will be one of the best facilities of its kind in
the UK. Students will be able to prepare for real-world scenarios, giving them
the tools they need to do their job effectively, whether that’s before they join
the workforce or for those already working in it.”
The ‘Working Well in Healthcare’ event series was
established last year to bring together industry leaders, practitioners,
educators, and policymakers to explore practical solutions to workforce
challenges, share best practice, and shape the future of healthcare education
and development.
To register for ‘Working Well in Healthcare: Transformative
Experiential Learning and Simulated Environments’ or to find more information
about the event, please visit the event landing page.
