Thanks to generous donations, Hywel Dda Health Charities has provided funding of over £56,000 for simulation-based education equipment.

The new equipment will transform learning at the Health Board, providing the resources needed to recreate real-life situations for learners.

Simulation equipment replicates a particular set of conditions which resemble real-life events. The equipment creates a safe environment where participants can learn from their mistakes without any danger to patients, allowing individuals to analyse and respond to realistic situations, with the aim of developing or enhancing their knowledge, skills, behaviour and attitudes.

The equipment also provides opportunities to engage with local school pupils who can be fully immersed in simulations while learning from staff about their experiences of working in the NHS.

The funding has purchased mobile audio and visual equipment, software, and interactive manikins which provide opportunities to create simulated situations within training rooms or health settings across the Health Board.

Amanda Glanville, Assistant Director of People Development, said: “We are delighted that generous charitable donations from our local communities have enabled us to purchase this equipment.

“The Health Board’s vision is to be a pioneer in interprofessional learning for Wales, allowing for two or more professions to learn together, which encourages collaboration within their day-to-day roles and improves quality of care. Simulation is seen as a significant driver for this kind of learning.

“The new equipment will enable us to run regular immersive simulation training, creating a much wider learning experience for our staff. It will support people in the development of core and non-technical skills needed in every job including communication, teamwork, critical thinking, collaboration and adaptability.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk