LSI Architects has designed a training facility for infection prevention and control specialist, GAMA Healthcare, that simulates a live hospital environment, so it can offer ‘bespoke’ training for NHS nurses and other healthcare IPC professionals.
GAMA Healthcare is soon to move into a brand-new 20,000 ft2 workspace in Hemel Hempstead, which incorporates the new ‘world-class’ hospital training suite. The company says it has already trained over 32,000 NHS healthcare professionals free of charge since 2016, and hopes to reach a further 10,000 NHS staff in 2021.
The simulation suite, expected to open in February, will consist of a ward environment encompassing a two-bed ward, an isolation suite (with en-suite) and a utility area, where bedside equipment, such as IV stands and commodes, are cleaned, and a seminar area where presentations can be hosted either ‘virtually’ or face-to-face. With GAMA Healthcare having recently expanded its hospital hygiene offering, it says the training facility will also provide ‘the perfect environment’ to host demonstrations and allow NHS staff the chance to assemble or program the equipment incorporated, troubleshooting any concerns or queries on site with the trainers.
GAMA Healthcare co-founder and MD, Dr Guy Braverman, said: “GAMA Healthcare is founded by two ex-NHS doctors, and we know first-hand the demands facing everyone who works within the NHS, but particularly in infection control, to continually improve quality. There is a definite need for continued learning provided and led by specialists in that area, which is why we’re investing in our new training suite.”
Yvonne Carter, the company’s Clinical director, added: “Not only has GAMA Healthcare provided healthcare training for over a decade, but between myself and the other clinical directors, with nearly 100 years combined IPC experience, sharing knowledge and skills both in the UK and abroad makes the clinical team a valuable resource when it comes to healthcare professional education. Our training can be bespoke and developed to answer particular clinical challenges. Whether a team is battling a C. difficile outbreak, or a ward team wishes to learn about aseptic dressing techniques, we can develop a specific session.”
LSI is currently active with framework projects at NHS hospitals across the UK including Guy’s & St Thomas’, Addenbrooke’s, Broomfield, Southend University Hospital, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, James Paget University Hospital, and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Its private sector clients include HCA Healthcare, BMI Healthcare, and Aspen Healthcare.
