Mercy University Hospital opens state-of-the-art Seminar, Skills and Simulation Classroom to enhance healthcare training

Mercy University Hospital (MUH), Cork, has opened a state-of-the-art Seminar, Skills and Simulation Classroom within its Centre of Nurse Education. Designed to deliver immersive, realistic training, the new facility aims to transform how healthcare professionals develop clinical and teamwork skills by simulating real-life scenarios in a safe environment.

The Seminar, Skills and Simulation Classroom was developed in the Mercy’s Centre of Nurse Education (CNE) complex, led by its Director, Ann Cummins and Consultant Geriatrician and Postgraduate Education lead Dr. Rónán O’Caoimh, with the support of the MUH CEO, Margaret McKiernan; Executive Clinical Director, Professor David Kerins and Director of Nursing, Rebecca O’Donovan. 

MUH is currently the only hospital in the HSE Southwest Health Region with a simulation facility, and is ideally situated, close to University College Cork and other hospitals in the region. The new facility comprises a state-of-the-art simulation suite which can support manikin-based, virtual reality and live role-play simulations, and can double up as a seminar space and surgical and clinical skills classroom. 

The project was funded through the HSE’s National Doctors Training and Planning via the NCHD Good Standards 2024 Project Funding initiative and the Mercy Hospital Foundation. The Funding application process was led by MUH Consultant Geriatrician and Postgraduate e Medical Education lead Dr. Rónán O’Caoimh, who explains that “This facility represents a transformative step in preparing the next generation of doctors for the realities of modern interdisciplinary healthcare and highlights the HSE’s and MUH’s commitment to improve training and conditions."

Director of the Centre of Nurse Education, Ann Cummins, explains “This is a significant achievement for the Centre of Nurse Education and Mercy University Hospital, Cork; and represents our ongoing commitment to excellence in patient care, interdisciplinary healthcare education and innovation.

“There are numerous advantages to simulation-based education, which has become an integral component of education, including allowing for experiential learning and practice, and has been proven to enhance critical thinking skills, increase patient safety and promote interprofessional teamwork in a culture of safety and quality improvement in healthcare organisations. With a lecture theatre, tutorial room, classrooms and a library available on site for supportive educational requirements, the Centre of Nurse Education was an ideal choice for the new initiative.”

At the official opening of the Seminar, Skills and Simulation Classroom, CEO of the Mercy Hospital Foundation, Rachel Stevenson said “We are very proud to have supported the development of the new Seminar, Skills and Simulation Classroom at the Centre of Nurse Education, Mercy University Hospital. At the Mercy Hospital Foundation, we are committed to investing in initiatives that directly enhance patient care and clinical excellence. Supporting the new Simulation Classroom means helping our doctors, nurses, and healthcare teams learn, grow, and ultimately provide even better care for patients.”