A new Skills Simulation Suite is now open at our Alloa Campus, offering a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide the next generation of care providers with hands-on experience in a realistic, simulated environment.
This innovative suite, developed in collaboration with NHS Forth Valley, features cutting-edge resources and equipment aimed at enhancing the training of students in the health and social care sectors.
Over the past few weeks, staff have introduced the new facility to students, giving them the opportunity to explore its features and gain practical insights into the diverse settings they will encounter in their future careers.
Facilities and features of the exciting new training suite include: a simulated clinical support and social care bedroom environment, as well as a reablement suite – including mobility aids and equipment to enhance independence within homecare settings. Also included are digital resources together with VR simulated care software, and a selection of digital aids and appliances.
Dylan White for NHS Education for Scotland, said: “There are a wide range of exciting careers available in health and social care, and we are very keen to help young people and adults progress into the sector. This new suite at the Alloa campus will allow more students to learn hands-on, via accurate simulations of real work situations and environments.
“Combined with the latest technology, this will help develop the skills our workforce needs. Forth Valley College is already a major centre for the use of simulation learning in health and care. This great new resource will help open up access for students across Clackmannanshire and beyond.”
Jane Muir, Curriculum Manager in FVC’s Department of Care, Sport, Business and Communities, said: “The Health and Social Care Suite at Alloa Campus is a fantastic addition to the learning environment. By providing students with simulated environments that mirror real-life clinical, social care, and reablement settings, the suite will help bridge the gap between theory and practice. The modern clinical area resembling a hospital ward setup will help students become familiar with the equipment, protocols, and patient interactions they will encounter on placements and in future roles.
“The inclusion of a social care bedroom and a studio flat for reablement practice also emphasises a holistic approach to training, preparing students for various aspects of patient care — from hospital support to at-home rehabilitation.
“This hands-on experience will be invaluable for building confidence, skill proficiency, and a greater understanding of what it means to provide compassionate, competent care in different health and social care environments.”
Lecturer Robin Young, added: “As a member of the project team, and a lecturer who will be using this fantastic suite, it has been an amazing journey seeing the first drawing on a bit of paper to it now being a brilliant learning and teaching space. This will certainly make it real for students, who will be moving on to work in the health and care sector.”
