Stars Appeal donations fund lifelike manikin for simulation programme

Thanks to donations given to the Stars Appeal, Salisbury District Hospital has improved its simulation training with more cutting edge technology.

£78,000 is going towards paying for a second lifelike "Sim-Man".

It's a manikin with an artificial lung which is able to breathe, speak, has audible heart and lung sounds, a measurable blood pressure pulse rate and respond to drugs and CPR.

It's going to be placed in their simulation suite which helps provide doctors, nurses and other health care professionals a realistic and immersive form of training.

The equipment can replicate a wide range of medical conditions to help staff prepare for any problems they may face.

Claire Levi, Clinical Lead for Simulation, said:

"We are so thankful to Stars Appeal supporters for enabling us to enhance our simulation service. The manikin and artificial lung are excellent additions to our service and are providing extensive opportunities for hospital staff to practice caring for simulated patients to prepare them fully for whatever they may face and to enable them to provide outstanding care to patients. During the response to the COVID-19 pandemic this training has undoubtedly helped save lives."

Some of the money provided by the charity will also fund the salary of a Simulation Technician who works alongside the hospital's Clinical Nurse Lead for Simulation to deliver the specialist training.

Graham Branagan, Consultant Surgeon and Lead Clinical Ambassador for the Stars Appeal said:

"We are very proud that our charity is investing in this service that makes such a difference to my colleagues and I when responding to complex and often life-threatening situations. It enables us to be fully prepared for whatever we may face and to provide the very best care. This is only possible thanks to the visionary support of Stars Appeal donors, fundraisers and those who so kindly remember us in their Wills and to whom we are all hugely grateful."

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• stars appeal
• salisbury district hospital
• simulation training