Northumbria University has announced the return of its annual, free-to-attend, ‘Working Well in Healthcare’ event series, designed to foster collaboration across the healthcare industry and address some of the most pressing workforce challenges facing the sector.
Taking place on 15 May 2025 between 9:30am and 4:00pm at Northumbria University’s City Campus – and online – the one-day, hybrid conference will bring together health leaders from across the UK to explore how simulated teaching environments and experiential learning can help train the healthcare workforce of the future in a digital age.
So far, the line-up of thought leaders and expert speakers includes Professor Paula Holt MBE DL, Senior Nursing Advisor at the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Professor Graham Wynn, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education at Northumbria University, Professor Alison Machin, Head of Department for Nursing, Midwifery and Health at Northumbria University and Chair of the Council of Deans of Health, and Professor John Unsworth OBE, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor for Health and Life Sciences at Northumbria University and Chair of the Queen’s Nursing Institute with more to be announced in the coming weeks.
A key highlight of the event will be the panel discussion, ‘Myth-busting: the challenges, changes and concerns around simulated practice’. This session will tackle common misconceptions about simulated training in healthcare, addressing concerns about it replacing traditional practice hours, while exploring how simulation-based training can significantly benefit both learners and organisations.
Professor John Unsworth OBE, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor for Health and Life Sciences at Northumbria University and Chair of the Queen’s Nursing Institute said: “We’re delighted to host this event, which will provide an invaluable platform for knowledge sharing, debate and networking. The focus on experiential learning is timely in the light of ever-increasing pressure on the NHS to grow and upskill its workforce and to find more innovative and digital-led solutions to training.
“We have some of the most advanced simulated skills environments for teaching and learning nationally and we are keen to see further innovation so students’ experiences continue to evolve in line with developments in the modernisation of healthcare delivery. Utilising the latest simulation and virtual reality technology, the University is preparing its healthcare learners for real-world scenarios, in turn improving patient safety.
“We’re looking forward to exploring this topic further with delegates attending the event and will be tackling some of the associated myths and misconceptions, as well as discussing ways in which the sector can better collaborate to both deliver experiential learning opportunities and ultimately to address the staffing and skills crisis facing the industry today.”
Currently, the Clinical Skills Centre, located at the heart of Coach Lane Campus at Northumbria University, is the focal point for health students’ educational journey. State-of-the-art simulation facilities include: a peri-operative suite complete with an anaesthetic room; hi-fidelity simulation mannequins that produce altered physiology, including heart and lung rhythms, and are capable of procedures such as surgical interventions and haematology sampling; and a midwifery room including a birthing bed and hi-fidelity advanced birthing mannequins that provide manual and automatic delivery to teach obstetric skills during simple or complex birthing situations.
Looking to the future, Northumbria University is developing a multi-million pound Centre for Health and Social Equity, known as CHASE, which will bring together academics working on health, social care, education, wellbeing and equity issues across the University’s City and Coach Lane Campuses, into one central base in the heart of Newcastle.
Professor Graham Wynn, Pro Vice Chancellor for Education at Northumbria University added: “CHASE aims to develop and harness the University’s research, education and knowledge exchange expertise to help meet the health and social needs of multiple stakeholders and communities in the city, region and beyond.
“With the support of external funding, CHASE will increase the available simulated skills space used to educate the public professions workforce at Northumbria and will be one of the best facilities of its kind in the UK. Students will be able to prepare for real-world scenarios, giving them the tools they need to do their job effectively, whether that’s before they join the workforce or for those already working in it.”
The ‘Working Well in Healthcare’ event series was established last year to bring together industry leaders, practitioners, educators, and policymakers to explore practical solutions to workforce challenges, share best practice, and shape the future of healthcare education and development.
To register for ‘Working Well in Healthcare: Transformative Experiential Learning and Simulated Environments’ or to find more information about the event, please visit the event landing page.
