New simulation room opened at Cork city hospital

Mercy University Hospital (MUH) has opened a seminar, skills, and simulation classroom, “a transformative step in preparing the next generation of doctors”.

The classroom was developed in the Mercy’s Centre of Nurse Education (CNE) complex, led by its director, Ann Cummins, and consultant geriatrician and postgraduate education lead, Dr Rónán O’Caoimh, with the support of the MUH chief executive, Margaret McKiernan; executive clinical director, Professor David Kerins; and director of nursing, Rebecca O’Donovan.

Dr O’Caoimh said that the opening was a significant achievement: “This facility represents a transformative step in preparing the next generation of doctors for the realities of modern interdisciplinary healthcare and highlights the HSE’s and MUH’s commitment to improve training and conditions.”

The new facility consists of a state-of-the-art simulation suite that can support mannequin-based, virtual reality and live role-play simulations, and can double up as a seminar space and surgical and clinical skills classroom.

The project was funded through the HSE’s National Doctors Training and Planning, via the NCHD Good Standards 2024 Project Funding initiative and the Mercy Hospital Foundation.

Ms Cummins said that the new facility will improve education: “There are numerous advantages to simulation-based education, including allowing for experiential learning and practice.”

At the opening of the classroom, chief executive of the Mercy Hospital Foundation, Rachel Stevenson, said they were very proud to have backed the development. “Supporting the new simulation classroom means helping our doctors, nurses, and healthcare teams learn, grow, and ultimately provide even better care for patients,” she said.