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Bucks New University’s Sam is named among Nation’s Lifesavers

Bucks New University’s Sam is named among Nation’s Lifesavers

Sam McCormack, Technical Manager in Psychology, Simulation & Performance, and her team have today been recognised for their exceptional contribution to keeping the nation healthy as part of Universities UK’s MadeAtUni campaign.

The campaign, which brings to life the impact of universities on everyday lives, highlights the top 100 individuals or groups based in universities whose work is saving lives and making a life-changing difference to our health and well-being.

Sam, who was responsible for bringing the art of moulage - applying mock injuries - to Bucks New University, is also the brain-child behind the Dementia Simulation which is provided to Bucks nursing students as well as some NHS Trusts and private care providers.

Students become fully immersed; feeling and experiencing what it might be like for patients with failing cognitive function, who require support and care from nurses.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea’s carers are just some outside of the University who have benefited from the sim. One participant said: ‘It opened my eyes - now I can provide better care for our iconic Chelsea Pensioners’.

Simple devices, such as adapted safety goggles and ear defenders, are used to create an environment which provides significant insight for those caring for some of society’s most vulnerable.

This is not the first time the simulation has been recognised, in 2018 it won Teaching Innovation of the Year at the Student Nursing Times Awards.

Sam, pictured, said: “We restrict students’ senses and ‘aggravate’ them – for instance taking blood pressure, make them stand, sit or walk - but with no communication.

“Students say the experience allows them to reflect on their own practice and how to confront others when poor practice is demonstrated.

“It is a fantastic honour to feature as one of the Nation’s Lifesavers for our work in dementia.

“We’re grateful for the support we have received from all the teams we work with, not just at the University but in all the healthcare environments we work with too.

“The MadeAtUni campaign is a great chance to celebrate the many ways universities are having a significant impact on our everyday lives.”

Universities from across the country were invited to nominate an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to the nation’s health and well-being. More than 100 universities from Plymouth to Dundee submitted a nomination.

Professor Dame Janet Beer, President Universities UK, said: “When people think of lifesavers they tend to focus on the dedication and skill of our doctors, nurses, carers, and paramedics – many of whom are trained at universities. Every day, up and down the country, universities are also working on innovations to transform and save lives. Research taking place in universities is finding solutions to so many of the health and well-being issues we care about and the causes that matter.

“By proudly working in partnership with charities, the NHS and healthcare organisations, universities are responsible for some of our biggest health breakthroughs and in revolutionising the delivery of care.

“This campaign is a chance to bring to life the wonderful and often unexpected work going on every day in our universities and to celebrate some of the people working to make a life-changing difference to the nation.”

Research shows the public are proud of UK universities but have little understanding of the benefits they bring*, with most not being aware that UK academics are behind many of the discoveries that save lives and keep up healthy.

The MadeAtUni campaign gives the public an insight into some of this work and celebrates those who made it happen. More information on the campaign can be found on the dedicated website.

*Britain Thinks polled 2,063 UK adults online between 30 May and 31 May 2018. Data was weighted to be representative of all UK adults.