From The “Cot in the corner”

Abstract

This concurrent session aims to reflect on the development of a “Flexible learning space” in the University of Huddersfield. Following last years conference, I returned to Huddersfield with renewed enthusiasm regarding children’s clinical skills provision. Whilst Huddersfield has excellent skills facilities, we literally had “the cot in the corner” in terms of child skills provision. Since last year we have developed a flexible learning space, which is not ideal, but has some clear advantages. The area is an extra large classroom, where theory is delivered, with a mini children’s skills area incorporated. This includes a cot, full traction bed, platform and incubator and child specific documentation. The room is fully equipped with relevant equipment, including Sim baby and other lower fidelity manikins that can be used for simulation. Theory can be delivered and interrupted at any time by demonstration of skills/simulation linked to the subject being taught. A one dimensional model of a children’s ward has also been devised to enable students to demonstrate how they would manage a ward, in terms of allocating bed spaces and health and safety issues, for example