Prof. Orla Feely, UCD President, Opens New State-of-art Clinical Simulation Suite

L-R: Prof. Jonathan McNulty, CHAS Dean of Teaching and Learning, Prof. Dara Byrne, Clinical Lead, National Simulation Office, HSE, Siobhán Brereton, Director of Clinical Skills and Simulation, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, Prof. Orla Feely, UCD President, Assoc. Prof. Michael Connolly, Assoc. Dean for Teaching and Learning and James Hayes, School Director, School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems

At a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday 19th February 2025, the brand new state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Simulation Suite was opened by Prof. Orla Feely, UCD President, in the UCD Health Science Centre, Belfield Campus. The launch event was well attended by staff, students and clinicians from UCD’s partner healthcare providers.

Having received funding from UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences (CHAS), the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems was delighted to announce that work was underway for the development of a designated Simulation Suite and additional simulation facilities last Summer. These works were completed in September 2024 and thorough testing and training commenced. This was a key project led by the School under the Simulation and Clinical Skills Strategy and advised upon by a number of leading experts including Dara Byrne the ​​National Clinical Lead, National Simulation Office (NSO), HSE.

 

The fully equipped suite, with an integrated AV system, allows for quality simulation activities, elevating our student's learning through realistic patient scenarios and real-time problem-solving. Having this exposure in addition to practice placement learning further bridges the gap between knowledge and practical skills in nursing and midwifery. In addition to this, the School installed a multipurpose simulation cave and briefing room. Using bespoke projection and lighting capabilities, students are able to instantly change the surrounding environment - from a therapy room, to a care home, to an emergency department – allowing them to immerse themselves in a safe, realistic learning environment. 

Simulation education involves a range of activities that improve the safety and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. Given the increased focus on improving quality care and patient safety, the ‘sim suite’ will support the delivery of education and training to enhance curriculum and promote preparedness for clinical practice with a student-centred simulation programme ensuring all undergraduate and postgraduate learners get the most out of their time with us. 

L-R: Jennifer Dempsey, Joanna O'Neill, Michaela Schumann, Siobhán Brereton, Linda Farren, Hannah Cannon, Jennifer Sullivan, Dr. Aoife Claire MacCormac, Breda Connaughton.

Clinical Tutors Jennifer Sullivan and Michaela Schumann said of the project

“We are very excited to see this project completed. We feel confident that we speak for the entire nursing and midwifery team when we say the addition of a dedicated simulation suite will truly enhance the student journey.”

The suite will be available for teaching from 2025 onwards.