From The “Cot in the corner”

This concurrent session aims to reflect on the development of a “Flexible learning space” in
the University of Huddersfield. Following last years conference, I returned to Huddersfield
with renewed enthusiasm regarding children’s clinical skills provision. Whilst Huddersfield
has excellent skills facilities, we literally had “the cot in the corner” in terms of child skills
provision.

Since last year we have developed a flexible learning space, which is not ideal, but has
some clear advantages. The area is an extra large classroom, where theory is delivered,
with a mini children’s skills area incorporated. This includes a cot, full traction bed, platform
and incubator and child specific documentation. The room is fully equipped with relevant
equipment, including Sim baby and other lower fidelity manikins that can be used for
simulation. Theory can be delivered and interrupted at any time by demonstration of
skills/simulation linked to the subject being taught.

A one dimensional model of a children’s ward has also been devised to enable students to
demonstrate how they would manage a ward, in terms of allocating bed spaces and health
and safety issues, for example.