A new state-of-the-art centre to train healthcare professionals with realistic and immersive training experiences has opened at Burnley General Teaching Hospital.

The multi-purpose simulation suite has been set up as a ward to help healthcare professionals access hands-on training in an environment that reflects their day-to-day clinical practice.

It will allow staff to continue their training in a realistic setting, to improve the care they provide the public in East Lancashire.

The new facility was made possible thanks to a grant from the Dinwoodie Charitable Company, which was formed in the 1970s to improve healthcare by advancing the development and dissemination of medical knowledge and skills through post-graduate healthcare education.

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East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Martin Hodgson, who cut the ribbon at the grand opening, said: “Our new simulation suite is set to transform the way we train here at ELHT, offering realistic scenarios in a safe environment to prepare learners for what they may face in the real world.

“It’s a fantastic facility and a significant investment in the development of colleagues now and in the future.

 “On behalf of everyone at ELHT, I’d like to say a huge thank you to the Dinwoodie Charitable Company for making this possible.”

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Richard Miner, managing trustee of Dinwoodie, said: “Dinwoodie was delighted to support the project and when we visited the completed site recently saw for ourselves what an excellent facility it is.”

Julia Owen, deputy director of education, research and innovation at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, added: “A lot of hard work from our fantastic colleagues has been involved behind the scenes in getting us to this point of opening.

“Creating a ward like this really enhances our reputation for clinical training and builds on our commitment to patient safety.”