Specialist ultrasound simulation facilities to open at Teesside

Specialist new facilities at the forefront of technology into ultrasound simulation will be unveiled at Teesside University’s School of Health & Social Care.

The whole of the North-East region will be served by the Regional Ultrasound Simulation Centre and Paramedic Suite, hubbed at Teesside University with satellite centres at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and hospitals in Newcastle.

The state-of-the-art ultrasound simulation training suite will serve the current and projected simulation training needs of radiologists, sonographers and doctors for whom ultrasound skills are part of their curriculum.

It will also have a role in meeting growing demand to train midwives in obstetric ultrasound, paramedics in emergency ultrasound, physiotherapists in musculoskeletal ultrasound as well as ultrasound guided joint injections and podiatrists in ankle and foot ultrasound.

The centre, which will ensure the University’s graduates are equipped to meet the increasing demands of complex care pathways, was created following consultation with radiologists and emergency care consultants across the North East.

Sir Keith Pearson, Chair of Health Education England, will officially open the centre on Wednesday 11 November.

Professor Paul Keane OBE, Dean of the University’s School of Health & Social Care, said: 'We are delighted to host this innovative ultrasound simulation centre which will have the most up-to-date scanning equipment and will contribute significantly to preparing practitioners in promoting early diagnosis of conditions.'

Dr Richard Cooper, Consultant Radiologist, South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust and Head of the Northern School of Radiology, Health Education North East, said: 'This is a wonderful opportunity to ensure that all practitioners are competently prepared in the field of sonography through this multi-professional centre.'

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