The Walton Centre reaches 1,000 virtual reality simulations to help train the next generation of neurosurgeons

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust has reached 1,000 virtual reality simulations of complex brain and spinal surgery, giving trainees and medical students the best possible chance of becoming the neurosurgeons of tomorrow.

The Neuro VR simulator is a state-of-the-art unique piece of tech, which reenacts a neurosurgical scenario in real-time, complete with high-definition graphics, haptic feedback, and atmospheric sounds, to immerse the trainee fully in the procedure they are practicing.

The cutting-edge equipment was purchased by The Walton Centre Charity in 2022 after a fundraising campaign was launched at the annual Jan Fairclough Ball in 2021. Since then, the machine has logged over 1,000 simulations, enabling trainees to practice vital procedures before entering the operating theatre.

Consultant Neurosurgeon and Deputy Director of Medical Education Mr Nick Carleton-Bland said:

“We know that the use of simulators makes surgical training safer, more efficient, and more effective. In addition, we have found that simulator use enhances trainees’ and students’ understanding of surgical procedures at a deeper level, particularly when used prior to observing operations in a live setting.

“It’s an incredible achievement, and it’s inspiring to see students and trainees increase their confidence using the simulator. The success of the Neuro VR is so much so, that we’re looking at using it to help with national neurosurgical trainee selection.”

Over the past four years, The Walton Centre has delivered world-class surgical simulation training to resident surgeons, core surgical trainees, as well as medical students from the University of Liverpool and Edge Hill University and from across the globe. 

The innovation has been so well received, that using this technology in this way was recognised at the 2024 NHS Parliamentary Awards, where it won the Excellence in Education and Training Award.

Student feedback includes:

“The surgery simulation session with Mr Carleton-Bland was so good and really useful to improve simple surgical skills like suturing.”

“The additional signs ups were also amazing, I really enjoyed the surgical simulation one.”

“I think the surgical simulation with Mr Carlton-Bland should become a timetabled activity as I think it is really helpful when we don’t usually get much hands-on surgical experience.”

The simulator has been utilised in several educational projects and continues to play a key role in shaping the future delivery of surgical training. In many cases of using the state-of-the-art simulator, students say it has inspired them to pursue careers in surgery, thereby strengthening the pipeline of future neurosurgeons.

Head of Fundraising Madeleine Fletcher said:

“I’m delighted that The Walton Centre Charity was able to fund this vital work. To know that our fundraisers have contributed to the education of so many student and trainee surgeons means the world to us. It’s satisfying to be able to show what their efforts can do.”

If you want to learn more about the projects The Walton Centre Charity funds and supports, visit the Sid Watkins Innovation Fund page here.

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