University of Limerick and UL Hospitals Group have officially launched a new simulation facility at University Hospital Limerick to provide undergraduate and postgraduate doctors, nurses and allied health professionals with simulation training in a range of clinical procedures.
Housed in the Clinical Education & Research Centre (CERC) at UHL, the CERC Simulation Lab has a wide variety of equipment in its simulation-based education and training programmes, including full-body manikins and task trainers (adult, paediatric, maternity).
The facility was officially launched this Thursday with Dr Alan Watts, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, ULHG, leading a group of medical students through a simulated acute medical emergency involving a car crash victim.
In addition to regular teaching, several other events have been hosted in the CERC Simulation Lab since the summer of 2022, including advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), clinical induction training for Interns, MRCPI examinations, organ donation education, basic ECHO training, and Adult Critical Care Transport training.
Dr Sarah Carroll, Senior Simulation Technician, ULHG, who has been closely involved in developing simulation scenarios, researching and sourcing equipment and managing the simulation events, said: “It has been an honour for me to be involved in the development of this facility, working to ensure that students are provided with the best possible learning experience.”
Dr Watts, who is also an associate professor in the School of Medicine, UL, said it was a privilege to participate in this week’s launch of the CERC Simulation Lab.
“This top-class simulation-led teaching and training facility will significantly enhance our healthcare professionals’ ability to deliver the highest standard of care to our patients,” Dr Watts said.
Professor Paul Burke, Chief Academic Officer ULHG and Vice Dean of Health Sciences UL, described the simulation laboratory as a great additional resource for all UL clinical students and our postgraduate trainees.
“It is providing the opportunity to practice challenging skills and experience demanding clinical scenarios in a simulated environment. This training gives our young health professionals increased confidence and competence that—first and foremost—benefits the patient,” Prof Burke said.
Added Professor Colum Dunne, Head of the UL School of Medicine: “Simulation in medical education and training is increasingly important. The School of Medicine is delighted to co-fund this expanded initiative, making high-quality equipment available to medical students and trainees adjacent to both teaching and clinical facilities. This reflects our ambition to continue to expand our medical education programmes.”
