University Centre leads the way in simmersive education

Staffordshire University Centre for Health Innovation is celebrating a raft of achievements since opening its doors 12 months ago. 

Featuring the most advanced health simulation technology, the Centre offers a range of flexible and immersive simulation spaces designed to develop clinical skills and knowledge and enhance the learning experience for students. 

The £5.8m investment on the University Blackheath Lane site was part-funded by Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) via the Government’s Getting Building Fund.  

As well as being the study base for more than 2,000 students including nurses, midwives, operating department practitioners and paramedics, the Centre has helped to train 500 healthcare workers on specialist simulation-based short courses. 

It has also picked up a number of accolades including being one of just six Centres of Excellence worldwide to be recognised by medical simulation training product provider CAE Healthcare. 

More recently the Centre for Health Innovation has been named as the first in Europe to be endorsed by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), a global leader in healthcare simulation standards. 

Executive Dean of the School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Mike Phillips said: “Our Centre for Health Innovation has helped cement our reputation as leaders in simmersive education.” 

“Alongside our healthcare degrees we have developed a suite of simulation based continuing professional development courses.  In September we’ll be launching the world’s first Masters degree in simulation-based education designed for any profession not just healthcare.”  

The Centre for Health Innovation currently boasts what is believed to be the world’s largest immersive interactive suite. This is one of two blank canvas rooms fitted with ceiling-mounted technology that allows spaces to be switched to different real-world settings from patients’ homes and hospital wards through to business environments such as factories and warehouses, and public spaces including airports and shopping malls. 

All the areas in the centre are equipped with cutting-edge audio-visual observation equipment, including discreet microphones and cameras to facilitate immersive and remote delivery. 

Mike added: “Our new facilities have been well received by our students but can also be used by employers requiring a safe space to train staff to work in different environments or those in search of a venue for product testing or film sets.” 

“The Centre is currently undertaking several research projects that have only been made possible by the space and technology available.” 

Centre for Health Innovation facts and stats: 

• The £5.8m investment in the University’s specialist campus in Stafford was made possible thanks to a £2.89m from government’s Getting Building fund. 

• 1242 sqm facility featuring Clinical Simulation Centre 

• A study base for more than 2000 student nurses, midwives, operating department practitioners and paramedics. 

• 500 healthcare workers have received CPD training on specialist simulation based short courses 

• 1st in Europe to be endorsed by INACSL – global leader in healthcare simulation standards. 

• Announcing our new Masters degree in simulation based education 

Notes to editors: 

To arrange interviews or a visit to the Centre for Health Innovation, please email Comms@Staffs.ac.uk. 

Maria Scrivens

Communications Manager

t: 01782 294375

m: 07766 520339

e: m.c.scrivens@staffs.ac.uk

Staffordshire University’s ambition is to become the UK’s best modern university. An institution with a strong civic mission, it has committed to being a ‘catalyst for change’ for students and businesses, positively impacting wider society and the regional economy.

Staffordshire University was named a Top 5 university in the UK and ranked Top 10 for job prospects in the StudentCrowd University Awards 2022 – based entirely on student reviews. It also ranked Top 10 for Social Inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

The 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) classed 68% of the University’s research as world leading or internationally excellent and 87% of its ‘research impact’ was judged to be outstanding or very outstanding.

Substantial investment in innovative technologies and teaching environments ensure next generation courses and education are delivered across all three campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and London.