Lifelike simulation mannequin helps hospital staff practice life-saving techniques for young children

Staff from Worcestershire Royal Hospital’s children’s ward are practicing life-saving techniques for young children in realistic scenarios, thanks to the donation of a lifelike medical simulation mannequin by the Daisychain Benevolent Fund Trust.

The training simulation doll – named Arthur – provides advanced training opportunities for the children’s team at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust to practice scenarios where they have to assess, diagnose and treat young children in a wide range of medical situations such as anaphylaxis, seizure, respiratory conditions and an extensive range of high dependency scenarios.

Arthur is incredibly lifelike with realistic skin, hair and body parts which can move and react like a young child. The state-of-the-art training mannequin can even speak with preloaded phrases, as well as be connected to a real defibrillator or mechanical ventilator so staff can get hands-on practice of complex life-support situations for children in a safe and controlled environment.

Following a grant from the Daisychain Benevolent Fund Trust to the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity, the charity was able to purchase the training simulation doll for hospital staff to use.

Children’s Services Directorate Manager for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Michael Croutear said: “The team are immensely thrilled to receive this state-of-the-art equipment which will greatly improve our training offer for staff. Exposure in a controlled simulation environment to practice realistic scenarios on such a lifelike simulator with ability to generate vital signs, reactions to treatment, and remotely adapt the intensity of the scenario will take our clinical expertise to a new level and reassure confidence, empowering staff to be prepared as possible for future emergency cases. 

“We are extremely grateful to the Daisychain Benevolent Fund for making this possible and enabling us to enhance our service development.”

Sophie Burt, Head of Fundraising and Community Development for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity, said: “We are so grateful to the Daisychain Benevolent Fund for their ongoing support of Children’s services at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. The training simulator will provide valuable additional training for our staff who are always working to improve patient care and enhance team skills and experience.”

Daisychain Benevolent Fund Trustee, Davina Rowe said: “We are delighted we’re able to provide the funding for this essential training equipment that will benefit sick children in Worcestershire. We are enormously proud to be able to support sick children and young adults throughout the Midlands region through the funds raised by the Daisychain Benevolent Fund shops.

“Thanks must go to our staff and to our loyal supporters, as without their continued support we wouldn’t be able to donate the funds for such state-of-the-art equipment.”

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity supports patients, their loved ones, and staff across Worcestershire’s acute hospitals by improving patient experiences, funding life-changing equipment, and supporting NHS teams.

The Daisychain Benevolent Fund Trust helps children and young adults in need and raises funds to support children’s hospital wards across the Midlands.