Cutting edge training technology for Wye Valley NHS Trust’s maternity department

Wye Valley NHS Trust’s maternity department welcomed ‘Victoria’ to the team last week – a new member of staff who will transform the way staff involved in caring for mothers and babies train and develop their skills.

‘Victoria’ is a childbirth simulator that can be programmed to deliver a baby either naturally, assisted or via caesarean. She can show signs of early pregnancy complications, high-risk delivery and post birth emergencies. Both Victoria and her baby look, feel and sound lifelike, creating the most realistic simulation experience for practical training and development sessions. Her vital signs – such as pulse rate and blood pressure - can be monitored on real equipment used frequently by staff and she is responsive to treatment administered, both positively and negatively.

Maxine Chong, head of midwifery, said: “Victoria provides a fantastic opportunity for all staff that contribute to the safety of mothers and babies, this includes midwives, anaesthetists, obstetricians, support workers, practice educators, medical and surgical teams.” Wye Valley NHS Trust secured funding from Health Education England to purchase the simulator ‘Victoria’ of which there are currently only 14 others in the UK.”

Maxine added: “This technology will allow us to improve safety for mothers and babies through multi-disciplinary training. In purchasing this equipment we are supporting the national imperative to increase safety for maternal and neonatal health.”