Image Credit: Ben McPhee
Bolton College of Medical Sciences
Client
Willmott Dixon
Bolton College of Medical Sciences (BCMS) represents a unique collaboration between the University of Bolton, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, Bolton College, and Bolton Council. This £40 million facility, upon completion, will cater to approximately 3000 learners annually and can accommodate up to 950 students simultaneously.
The centre will not only provide training for aspiring clinical care professionals aged 16 and above but also offer continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for existing NHS staff. Dedicated classrooms within BCMS will cater specifically to CPD training.
Featuring six simulation suites, each capable of hosting 30 students, BCMS will replicate various hospital ward settings using industry-grade equipment. Additionally, a state-of-the-art 4D room will provide an immersive learning experience by simulating realistic scenarios such as a road traffic accident using projectors, sounds, lighting, and smells.
Two “high-fidelity” suites have been designed for controlled assessments of clinical practice, equipped with advanced adult and infant mannequins programmed to create lifelike medical scenarios. One of these suites can transform into an operating theatre to accommodate a wide range of end-users.
Furthermore, a community simulation suite will simulate non-hospital care settings, offering a home-like environment for clinicians to practice dealing with typical issues they may encounter.
The BCMS design team has collaborated extensively with senior clinicians from Bolton NHS Foundation Trust to ensure that the layout and equipment of the facility accurately replicate real-world scenarios, thus preparing future clinicians effectively.