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The University of Cumbria empowers the next generation of diagnostic radiographers with immersive training opportunities

  • University of Cumbria leverages innovative training solutions, building on students’ skills, experience and confidence to better meet the evolving challenges of healthcare delivery.
  • Exposure to the latest MRI and CT innovations enables insights into complex areas of healthcare provision to enhance students’ clinical experience.
  • SmartSimulator and two Ysio Max X-ray systems from Siemens Healthineers offer simulation opportunities that mimic what students will see in a clinical environment.

The University of Cumbria has expanded the provision of training for diagnostic radiography students with additional opportunities to put their learning into practice before entering a clinical environment.

SmartSimulator and two Ysio Max X-ray systems from Siemens Healthineers have been introduced, offering simulated learning that mimics what students will see in clinical reality.

Training and education, leveraging digital and technological innovations, are pivotal to the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan1.

The additional hands-on experience enhances the knowledge and confidence students bring to the workforce, ultimately supporting the NHS in delivering patient care in the face of a growing and ageing population.

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As diagnostic radiology students enter their third year at the University of Cumbria, they select a modality pathway.

This determines where they will dedicate six to eight weeks in a modality specific placement, encompassed in their clinical time which makes up around 50 per cent of their course.

Gaining familiarity with the systems both before and during placements builds the confidence and abilities of the students as they apply their learning in a clinical environment.

The combined learning methods also support educators in designing and delivering a course that reflects the ever-evolving healthcare system.

Flexible and innovative methods of learning that fully embed digital technology in training pathways are key to the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan1.

SmartSimulator is equipped with the latest MRI and CT innovations enabling possibilities for students to gain insights into complex areas of healthcare provision to enhance the experience they get during their clinical time.

Increased simulated learning also provides the students with opportunities to boost their critical thinking and decision-making skills.

The interactive learning on SmartSimulator from Siemens Healthineers can be accessed anytime, anywhere enabling potential for use beyond the classroom, all students would need is an internet connection and log-in.

Customised to fit the unique needs of the university, students get a feel for the MRI and CT systems they might see during their placements in a safe and comfortable environment.

The University of Cumbria is also equipped with two Ysio Max X-ray systems from Siemens Healthineers, offering exposure to innovative automation tools that speed up examinations, increase precision, bolster safety and help to ensure a high level of standardisation.

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“There is a desperate need to increase training across all levels to meet the pressure that clinical departments are facing and medical imaging is no exception,” states Charles Sloane, Principal Lecturer for Medical Sciences at the University of Cumbria.

“These students will make up our future healthcare workforce. It is vital that they have these additional opportunities for practical experience that mimic the systems and technology they will go on to experience in the clinical world. In order to put the workforce back on a sustainable footing and improve patient care, we need innovative and workable training solutions like SmartSimulator.”

Neil Wakefield, Head of Customer Service at Siemens Healthineers Great Britain and Ireland, states: “With immersive simulated learning and hands-on training opportunities, students not only gain a profound understanding of the latest MRI and CT technologies but also cultivate the confidence and skills vital for their clinical endeavours.

"We are proud to work with the University of Cumbria as they inspire the next generation of diagnostic radiographers. Leveraging digital and technological innovations in education ensures that students are equipped to meet the evolving challenges of healthcare delivery.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1 NHS England. NHS Long Term Workforce Plan (2023). Available from: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/nhs-long-term-workforce-plan-v1.2.pdf

Images

1. Siemens Healthineers logo

2. Students at the University of Cumbria use SmartSimulator from Siemens Healthineers to gain familiarity with systems both before and during placements to build their confidence and abilities as they apply their learning in a clinical environment.

3. Laura Hemmings - Lecturer in Medical Imaging at the University of Cumbria, uses SmartSimulator from Siemens Healthineers to simulate learning that mimics what students will see in a clinical environment.

This press release and picture / further material is available at: www.siemens-healthineers.co.uk

Contact for journalists:

Olivia Koski

PR Executive

Phone: 07808 824800

Email: olivia.koski@siemens-healthineers.com

Marc Gossage

Senior Marketing Communications Manager

Phone: 07808 824238

Email: marc.gossage@siemens-healthineers.com

 

Siemens Healthineers pioneers breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. The company is a global provider of healthcare equipment, solutions and services, with activities in more than 180 countries and direct representation in more than 70. As a leading medical technology company, Siemens Healthineers is committed to improving access to healthcare for underserved communities worldwide and is striving to overcome the most threatening diseases. The company is principally active in the areas of imaging, diagnostics, cancer care and minimally invasive therapies, augmented by digital technology and artificial intelligence. In fiscal 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, Siemens Healthineers had approximately 71,000 employees worldwide and generated revenue of around €21.7 billion. Further information is available at www.siemens-healthineers.co.uk.