The simulation ward at Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is funded by the money that the trust receives from medical schools for the teaching of medical students. It is located in the Education Centre at St Peter's Hospital, which is responsible for all clinical education at the site.

The ward will benefit all clinical staff, from nurses and midwives, doctors of all grades and Allied Health Professionals, as well as the many medical students that spend time learning at the trust. It offers a vast selection of simulation experiences, from clinical skills to the most common scenarios that occur in clinical practice. In addition, there is a complementary simulation suite that can mimic major trauma on the roadside or an attack on the London Underground.

Mark Roland, chief medical officer, said: 'This ward allows our staff to master new skills in a clinical environment, just as pilots use simulators to learn and prepare for situations they may face in the future.

'Getting the ward up and running has been a real team effort by the Clinical Education and Estates teams.'