A mock-up hospital ward with robotic patients has been opened up at the University of Essex to help healthcare students learn the job.
The state-of-the-art facilities can simulate patients with a range of medical conditions.
The teaching space was formally opened by Professor Graham Underwood, executive dean for science and health, and Vikki-Jo Scott, head of the School of Health and Social Care.
Vikki-Jo said: “It’s great to have these facilities for students on our wide range of healthcare courses to be able to learn and practise their skills in preparation for their placements and future careers. The new labs provide an environment as close to a real hospital setting as possible.”
The ward is fitted as a standard hospital ward with electronic mannequin patients which can simulate conditions including sickness, chest infections and heart attacks.
Students can practise treatments on the mannequins, which are also realistically weighted so skills in moving and handling patients can be perfected.
The new space also includes six consultancy rooms.
The university has also invested in equipment to help students simulate old age and degenerative conditions – a wearable suit demonstrates the impact of impairments such as sight loss, hearing loss, joint stiffness, loss of strength, reduced grip and reduced coordination.
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