The NELFT Medical Education team celebrated the official inauguration of the new Simulation Centre in Chingford on Tuesday 2 August. The official ribbon cutting and opening speech was performed by chief executive John Brouder. Also in attendance were chief nurse Stephanie Dawe, director of medical education Dr Mohan Bhat, the Simulation lead Dr Bini Thomas and senior managers from HENCEL.

At the inauguration, there was an opportunity to experience simulation training, look at the interactive displays and to try out the new immersive technologies.

The Simulation Centre, in Colvin Gardens, Chingford, will be used to expand the capabilities of the Trust to deliver simulation based training in the field of mental and community health.

Simulation was initially used in medicine in the 16th century by obstetricians and gynaecologists. However, it had a resurgence in the 19th century initially in the field of anaesthesia and currently there are a number of simulation centres for general medicine.

The use of simulation based training in psychiatry and community health is an area of increasing interest and NELFT is taking a leading role in developing simulation based training programmes.

The programme is funded by HENCEL and was developed jointly by NELFT and UCLP.

Dr Mohan Bhat (pictured) said: ‘This will give a boost to the capability of Simulation training that can be delivered locally to staff working in mental and community health setting and also enhance NELFT’s reputation as a training provider in the NE London and Essex regions.’

For more information on the Medical Education team, visit: www.nelft.nhs.uk/medical-and-dental-education