Northumbria University is set to host its annual Working Well in Healthcare event, bringing together industry leaders to discuss the future of training in the sector.
The one-day conference, taking place on 15 May 2025, will focus on experiential learning and simulated environments as tools to address workforce challenges in the NHS and beyond. It will be held both in person at the university’s City Campus in Newcastle and online, ensuring accessibility for attendees across the UK.
The event will feature a line-up of expert speakers, including 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 the Department for Nursing, Midwifery and Health, and Professor John Unsworth OBE, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor for Health and Life Sciences. Additional speakers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Challenging perceptions of simulated learning
A key session at the event will be a panel discussion titled ‘Myth-busting: the challenges, changes and concerns around simulated practice’, which will tackle common misconceptions surrounding simulation-based training in healthcare.
Professor John Unsworth, who is also Chair of the Queen’s Nursing Institute, said the event would provide an essential platform for discussion and knowledge-sharing at a critical time for the sector.
“The NHS is under immense pressure to grow and upskill its workforce, and innovative, digital-led training solutions are crucial,” he said.
“Northumbria University has some of the most advanced simulated learning environments in the country, helping students prepare for real-world scenarios. By using the latest simulation and virtual reality technology, we can enhance patient safety and ensure that future healthcare professionals are work-ready.”
Expanding state-of-the-art training facilities
The university already offers high-tech simulation facilities at its Clinical Skills Centre, based at Coach Lane Campus. These include a peri-operative suite, hi-fidelity mannequins capable of replicating medical conditions and procedures, and a midwifery training suite with advanced birthing mannequins.
Looking ahead, Northumbria University is investing in a multi-million-pound Centre for Health and Social Equity (CHASE), which will become a hub for research and training.
Professor Graham Wynn, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education, highlighted the significance of the CHASE project:
“CHASE will harness the University’s expertise to address pressing health and social care needs across the region. With additional external funding, it will expand our simulated training facilities, making them among the best in the UK.”
Addressing workforce challenges
The Working Well in Healthcare event was first launched last year to facilitate collaboration between healthcare professionals, educators, and policymakers. It aims to drive innovation in training methods and tackle key workforce challenges.
Registration for ‘Working Well in Healthcare: Transformative Experiential Learning and Simulated Environments’ is now open. Further details can be found at: Northumbria University Event Page.