University of Bedfordshire launches state-of-the-art healthcare simulation facility
SIM Street is a series of rooms created to mimic real-world environments and scenarios
The University of Bedfordshire has officially opened SIM Street, an advanced simulation facility aimed at providing immersive, hands-on training for future health and social care professionals.
Named Brewster Square in honour of Annie Brewster, one of Britain’s first Afro-Caribbean nurses, the facility is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world practice.
The facility includes a variety of simulated environments to replicate the challenges faced by healthcare professionals.
These settings include a fully equipped hospital ward and operating theatre, police custody suite, nursing home bedroom, and community-based clinic spaces.
Additionally, the facility features a street layout with fully furnished flats to train students in community health scenarios.
Dr John McCarthy, the Lead for Healthcare Development in the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, said: “This space allows students to undergo simulated experiences that mirror real-world scenarios.
“For instance, they can practice skills that may be rarely encountered in their placements, such as caring for a dying patient or holding final conversations with a family.”
Simulation is increasingly recognised as a vital part of healthcare education, particularly in meeting professional and regulatory standards.
According to Dr McCarthy, professional bodies like the Nursing and Midwifery Council allow students to count simulation-based hours towards their required professional training. For student nurses, this could mean up to 600 hours of simulated placement. The facility also supports other disciplines such as occupational therapy, paramedicine, and midwifery, each with its own simulation allowances.
During the unveiling, the importance of advanced training tools, including high-fidelity mannequins capable of simulating breathing, operations, and other medical scenarios, was highlighted and championed. These tools enable students to experience challenging situations, such as cardiac arrests, in a simulated environment rather than during their first day on the job.
“If you go to your first cardiac arrest as a professional without prior experience, it can be overwhelming,” Dr McCarthy said. “Here, students can safely learn and build their confidence, knowing they’ve already practiced in a realistic setting.”
The facility is also designed to meet the growing healthcare demands of an ageing population and an increasingly complex system.
By working closely with local organisations such as Bedford Hospital, the University ensures that the training provided aligns with real-world standards and expectations.
Dr |McCarthy added: “We’re replicating the exact environments students will encounter in practice.
“From the equipment to the layout, everything is designed to mirror actual clinical settings, ensuring students are ready for what they’ll face.”
The new facility forms part of the University’s broader strategy to enhance healthcare education across multiple campuses, including Luton, Bedford, and Aylesbury.
By incorporating simulation-based education and placement opportunities, the University of Bedfordshire is supporting both local healthcare providers and the national goal of building a skilled and resilient NHS workforce.