The University’s Faculty of Life Sciences and Faculty of Health Studies have strong links with NHS organisations, and many of their career-focused courses include work experience in hospital and clinical environments.
They are also using the latest technology in classrooms across campus to ensure that students are prepared for the NHS of tomorrow.
Pictured above: student midwives use 'augmented reality' headsets
One example of this is the recent acquisition of Lucina, an interactive birthing mannikin which has a pulse so students can keep check on her vital signs, she can simulate contractions and even give birth.
This is used in combination with Microsoft HoloLens sets, an Augmented Reality system which allows students to simultaneously see what’s happening inside Lucina’s body to give an immersive and realistic experience which prepares midwifery students for a range of scenarios they may face, in a way that has not been possible before.
Pictured above: new CT scanner at University of Bradford could be used to offer some NHS services
Other students across the University are also using virtual simulations as a new way of learning. Nursing students at our satellite nursing school at Dewsbury and District Hospital are using VR headsets to assess patients using the Oxford Medical Simulation (OMS) software. Students also have the opportunity to use the technology at home to explore more simulated patient interactions.
The University has also recently unveiled more new facilities which have the potential to reduce NHS waiting lists while giving students practical experience. The medical imaging facilities in the School of Radiography include a Fujifilm visionary X Ray imaging suite, a SCENARIA View CT scanner and multi-station image reporting facility, alongside patient waiting and changing facilities. The University is working closely with local NHS trusts to meet its goal of having publicly-available assessment clinics on campus in the near future.
Pictured above: staff at the eye clinic inside the DHEZ
Our campus is also home to the Digital Health Enterprise Zone, a hub for businesses, researchers, health organisations and the community to collaborate on innovative solutions that improve the health and wellbeing of the population, locally and further afield.
It’s also home to our Physiotherapy and Eye Clinics, staffed by students under the supervision of experienced practitioners, with appointments available to the general public.
The DHEZ ecosystem video describes how it works with partners such as Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, for which it provided clinical spaces for assessing patients with Long Covid.
The DHEZ also hosted COVID-19 vaccine trials, and its on-site Tech House, a fully furnished, 2-bedroom replica house, is used every week by Bradford Council to train care workers in how to promote technology sensors and solutions to adults.
Professor Liz Breen, pictured above, DHEZ Director said: “As the NHS celebrates its 75th birthday we reflect on how our health ecosystem has supported our society over the past decades. We are reminded of the technological advances that help us to deliver better person-centred care, better outcomes and better experience.
“Our workforce is placed firmly at the forefront of activity with the new NHS workforce plan (June 2023), steering our energies into developing our greatest assets, and designing experiential learning opportunities for our future workforce. We have achieved so much, but there is more to do. The NHS works in difficult times, but we are ready for the challenge.”
Academic named in Nursing Times' 'NHS75 Impact List'
Benash Nazmeen, Assistant professor in midwifery at the University of Bradford is described as "a midwife who has dedicated her career to addressing health inequalities in maternity services and committed herself to improving services for women and colleagues. She is also director and co-founder of the Association of South Asian Midwives and a trustee for the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust."