New Medway doctors join innovative 'Simway' training

Medway Maritime Hospital has welcomed a new group of Foundation Doctors for their induction, including more than 50 joining the NHS for the first time who took part in the innovative ‘Simway Hospital’ training event.

The annual and award-winning simulated clinical training session is hosted by Medway NHS Foundation Trust for new Foundation Year One (F1) doctors annually. The national Foundation Programme is a two-year, work-based training programme which is intended to bridge the gap between medical school and training to become a doctor.

At Medway, ‘Simway Hospital’ allows participants to take on their new roles, apply and improve clinical skills using state-of-the-art simulation equipment, and integrate with their hospital colleagues, helping staff step from simulation to working with patients as more confident and competent clinicians.

Foundation Doctor Benjamin Lawton said:

“The ‘Simway Hospital’ experience was a fantastic way of settling in and feeling more comfortable at the start of my medical career. With the way the final year worked at my medical school, it had been a while since I had actually been in a clinical space, and thought I would have forgotten everything. However, having the safe and supportive environment to find my feet again provided gave me so much confidence. The event provided fun and learning, and helps so much as we move forwards in our careers as doctors.”

This year’s ‘Simway Hospital’ session was bigger and better than ever before, with close to 200 people taking part. This included more than 50 new F1 doctors; speciality consultants and doctors from medicine, surgery, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and radiology; nurses; clinical support workers; physiotherapy and pharmacy colleagues; the Trust’s Acute Response Team; as well as hospital volunteers and local school students.

Gemma Dockrell, Clinical Simulation Operational Manager at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, and ‘Simway Hospital’ facilitator, said:

‘’We take this opportunity to welcome our new F1 doctor colleagues – we are pleased that our innovative training experience equips them to embark on their medical careers with confidence and we hope they will reflect on it for the rest of their careers in the NHS.

‘’We strive to provide training at Medway that is safe and enjoyable and helps in our continuous drive to improve patient care. ‘Simway Hospital’ is an important learning opportunity that helps give our colleagues the best start for working in a hospital environment.

‘’Thanks to all our staff and volunteers for making this a success, including our excellent Medical Education and Simulation teams for facilitating such a hands-on and innovative experience.’’