A MULTIMILLION-pound centre featuring the latest medical training equipment has officially opened its doors in North Yorkshire.

The £900,000 Clinical Skills Facility at Scarborough Hospital replicates a medical environment allowing the region’s trainee medical staff, as well as skilled surgeons, keep up with the latest treatment techniques.

The facility, which replaces the ageing training blocks previously housed in portable accommodation, includes everything from beds to complex medical equipment. It also features life-sized, computer-controlled mannequins which can simulate conditions such as heart attacks.

James Hayward, director of facilities, said: “This really is a state-of-the-art medical training facility. It will help reduce clinical risk and ensure we maintain a highly skilled and flexible workforce.”

Although the centre has been open for business since January, the official opening coincided with an open day last week which enabled staff to look around and take part in equipment demonstrations on procedures, including episiotomy, advanced life support, cannulation, catheterisation and tracheotomy, as well as test their skills on state-of-the-art laparoscopic simulators.

Funding for the £900,000 skills centre was provided by NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, the regional strategic health authority, after the trust made a successful bid for cash.

The Trust employs more than 2,500 staff, including 200-plus doctors, 100 of which are in specialist training and need specific clinical skills training including laparoscopy and resuscitation.