University of Hertfordshire unveils new virtual reality healthcare facilities

A new suite of virtual reality and simulation facilities at the University of Hertfordshire is helping to prepare healthcare students for their first contact with the NHS and real patients.

The University, which is training some 6000 nurses, physiotherapists, paramedics and other healthcare professionals, officially opened six purpose-designed rooms on its College Lane campus.

Two touch-sensitive, interactive ‘immersive’ rooms allow students to practise healthcare skills in a variety of projected environments such as different rooms in a patient’s house, a care home, and even in the back of an ambulance.

Other simulation rooms allow course activities to be recorded and streamed live into other rooms, and observed through a two-way mirror.

The investment comes as the University has brought forward by a year the opening of its new medical school to 2026 and has just launched a master’s degree in paramedic science.

Julia Warrener, interim Dean of the School of Health and Social Work, said:

“Herts’ nursing courses are rated independently as among the UK’s best, and these facilities show that top quality teaching is backed up by top quality equipment in a superb learning environment.

“Our emphasis is on producing graduates with real-world, fit-for-work skills. These new facilities give our students a chance to practice skills that will be vital when they go out on their first placements with our NHS partners.”

Karen Cairnduff, Principal Lecturer in Simulation and Clinical Skills at Herts, said:

“Feedback from our nursing students who are already using these new facilities is excellent. They are really excited about how the interactive technology and realistic environment helps to practise skills, and prepare them for clinical placements

“Another benefit of the new simulation facilities is that students can practise together in multi-professional teams, to deliver patient centred care in a range of settings, not just in hospitals.

“We know that a key part of student success is the enjoyment of the learning environment and so we strive to bring our courses to life. This is why our students’ feedback has been so encouraging.

“Anybody interested in a nursing, midwifery or healthcare career can come and see our VR and simulation facilities at one of our Open Days and see our courses online.”

Chioma Chukwujekwu, a first-year master’s student in mental health nursing at Herts, said:

“The settings in the immersive labs are perfectly matched to real life scenarios and spaces I’ve seen when out on placement. This is a really good way to attune students to going out on their first placement in particular. Especially so if, like me, they do not come from a healthcare background.”

Chioma, from London, is an international student from Nigeria who recently spent time during a placement at Thumbswood Mother and Baby Unit in Radlett.

“The UK is so far ahead in recognising the need for specialist mental healthcare. I loved my placement and am enjoying my course, and I am lucky to be here at Herts. I would like to use my studies to start a career as a nurse prescriber and a mental health professional.

“I’m particularly interested in mother and baby care, supporting mothers with postpartum depression and other mental illnesses.”

Lesley-Ann Taylor, a final year BSc (Hons) adult nursing student from Biggleswade, agreed, saying:

“The perfect fit is having the opportunity to try out skills in the simulation wards together under the support of peers and your tutors.

“This safe space helps recreate the same atmosphere and energy you expect in working with the team of nurses on the ward, holding a sense of community and familiarity in the workplace.

“The layout helps find your feet as well as explore the different settings to expect in the ward, helping you through the stages of being a student and adapt to the nurse you need to be in practice.”

The University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate nursing courses, all of them rated among the UK’s top five by the Guardian Good University Guide.