Taking stock and moving forward; clinical skills and simulation in Yorkshire & Humber

Over recent years, Health Education England in Yorkshire and Humber and the Yorkshire and Humber Clinical Skills and Simulation Network have successfully collaborated in delivering an annual conference. This event is publicised far and wide across the healthcare professions, both regionally and nationally, and is attended by the multi professional workforce, including doctors, nurses, allied health professions, simulation technicians, paramedics and medical education managers. This broad school of attendees from primary, secondary and social care reflects the significance placed on clinical skills training in the UK care sector. Of course, networking opportunities abound, and lead to sharing of ideas and partnership possibilities for new projects and initiatives. Support from industry is acknowledged; this provides an opportunity for attendees to see the latest innovations in simulation equipment, tools and techniques. The 2018 conference Total Human Factors—Through 360°—Experience, Practice & Theory promises to continue the success of previous years. Clinical human factors have a diverse range of meanings to different healthcare professionals, managers, patients and their relatives. This year’s conference aims to bring some clarity with keynotes looking at the science of human factors as well as the compassionate aspects, and with an emphasis on behaviour, performance and enhanced patient safety in the workshops and attendee presentations. Historically the postgraduate medical and dental deanery in Yorkshire was an early adopter of medical simulation and invested heavily. Following development of South Yorkshire’s Montagu Clinical Simulation Centre in 2003, investment in technical skills and simulation training resulted in new clinical skills centres in Hull, Leeds, and Sheffield at a cost of £ 10 million in 2009–10. In other local education providers there was investment in equipment, facilities, and staff. Over the ensuing years, clinical skills and simulation training has become embedded in delivery of multi professional healthcare training. There are now moves to cooperate and to share best practice and processes from the three northern regions across Health Education England working across the north . Effective delivery of clinical skills and simulation by education providers is recognised as an important marker of quality, and continues to be scrutinised in Yorkshire as part of the quality management process. Clinical skills and simulation training remains fundamental to ensuring a competent healthcare workforce and optimal patient safety. Healthcare training in Yorkshire has a long track record of recognising its value; the evidence suggests an ongoing commitment by Health Education England, healthcare staff and providers will ensure this goes from strength to strength. Dr Andrew Brennan Associate Dean Health Education England, Yorkshire and the Humber Conference chair 2018