CSMEN November Update
Dear Network members,
Our vision at CSMEN is world leading facilitation of skills and simulation training and we are pleased that November presented us with ample opportunity to showcase and celebrate the work we do to achieve this. From seeing the tangible contributions of the Mobile Skills Unit in enabling training in the care sector to presenting the work of the CSMEN Medical Simulation team nationally at the ASPiH conference, we were proud to see the culmination of the team’s hard work, its impact and are excited to continue supporting the simulation and clinical skills community.
Firstly in the spirit of celebration, we are thrilled to share that Fiona has welcomed a beautiful baby boy. His arrival also marked the beginning of Natalia Krolikowska’s journey with the CSMEN Medical Simulation administration team for the year – and we extend a warm welcome to them both.
ASPiH Conference
Conference overview
The UK’s largest simulation conference, ASPiH 2025, was held in Bournemouth 11-13 November and focused on the theme “Simulation for Impact: culture, co-production and creativity”.
Key themes across the pre-event and conference days included the impact of simulation on culture, co-production, and patient safety, with sessions on practical skills, strategic issues like policy and research, and technological advancements. The conference featured workshops, presentations, and an exhibition, aiming to connect professionals and advance the field of healthcare simulation.
Scotland was very well represented with colleagues from NES and SCSCHF leading and contributing to the ASPiH X-perience pre-conference workshops on Advancing Human Factors in Transformative Simulation (NES’ Paul Bowie and Catie Paton) and Debriefing for Transformative Simulation (Julie Mardon). Catie also led keynote discussions on our 4 Nations work – Developing a Simulation Framework.
ASPiH Professional Development Framework seeking your feedback
We are pleased to share that the ASPiH Professional Development Framework for Interprofessional Simulation in Health and Care is ready for review! This has been a Four nations and Ireland collaboration, and we now seek your views.
Please watch the introductory video Professional Development Framework – ASPiH and read the framework Professional-Development-Core-Framework.-Four-nations-Ireland-ASPiH-Version-1.2-Stakeholder-Engagement-6th-October-2025-1-1.pdf then complete the short survey ASPiH Feedback Survey Phase 1: Professional Development Framework for Interprofessional Simulation in Health and Care.
It was developed to support capability progression in simulation-based practice providing a shared inclusive structure for individuals, organisations and systems to build confidence and expertise. Please let us know what you think.
CSMEN stand and poster submission
The NES CSMEN stand highlighted our work supporting multi-professional skills and simulation education across Scotland and was busy throughout the conference allowing us to reconnect with old colleagues and spark new professional connections.
Sally Alho, our Medical Simulation team leader, presented her poster titled “Implementation of a National Specialty-Specific Simulation Training Programme for Resident Doctors (training year 2024 - 2025)” which highlighted the launch and positive receival of a simulation training programme that directly tackled the inequity in action learning opportunities for resident doctors across Scotland.
ASPiH SimConverse AI Development Grants 2025 - open for applications
ASPiH, in conjunction with their AI sponsor SimConverse, are inviting members to apply for an AI development grant.
SimConverse are keen to support the wider adoption of AI technologies across the UK and Ireland and have created a £10,000 development fund to support your endeavours. An AI development grant will support ASPiH members to design, test and implement new ways of working which utilises AI or it could support members to evaluate the benefits and opportunities that AI holds for their organisation.
Deadline 31st December 2025. For full details, eligibility and how to apply, click here.
Next year’s ASPIH conference will take place from 25-27 November 2026 in Harrogate, North Yorkshire – be sure to save the date!
To view the full list of upcoming conferences relevant to clinical skills and simulation click here.
Mobile Skills Unit Update
Care Home Training Hits the Road with the Mobile Skills Unit!
The Mobile Skills Unit (MSU) rolled back into Greater Glasgow and Clyde, transforming three care homes into hubs of hands-on learning. Over 100 care home staff developed their clinical skills by attending expert-led training sessions delivered by the Care Home Collaborative team.
The clinical skills programme included:
- ABCDE Assessment – Spotting and escalating deterioration with confidence.
- Venepuncture – Part two of the three-step competency programme, blending theory and simulation.
- Male Catheterisation Refresher – Building confidence through supervised practice.
- Wound Care – From infection signs to packing techniques, all covered in interactive workshops.
With classroom sessions on:
- Delirium risk reduction
- Palliative care essentials
- Strength and balance taster
- Syringe pump “train the trainer”
Feedback was glowing: “I learned lots… everything was explained very well” and “Great opportunity to practice and build confidence.”
Read the full article supplied by the Care Home Collaborative below:
Mobile Skills Unit: Special Edition Issue 3
New MSU Faculty Development Courses for 2026
We are delighted to announce new MSU Faculty Development Course dates for 2026. If you would like to be a future host or trainer on the Mobile Skills Unit register for one of the courses below:
- Thursday 9 & Friday 10 April 2026
- Thursday 13 & Friday 14 August 2026
- Thursday 3 & Friday 4 December 2026
For more information and to register please visit MSU Faculty Development Course
Booking the Mobile Skills Unit
Did you know: 90% of Mobile Skills Unit participants said the MSU provided training that they otherwise would not have access to locally.
The Mobile Skills Unit is a versatile, multi-professional and multi-agency resource. To book the MSU for your region visit How To Book a Visit
Opportunity: Associate Director of Medical Education (Simulation) – NHS Lothian
NHS Lothian is inviting applications for a one‑year fixed‑term post or secondment to cover maternity leave in the role of Associate Director of Medical Education (Simulation).
This is a unique chance to step into a senior leadership position, guiding the strategic direction of simulation‑based medical education across the region.
Deadline 7 December 2025. Click here for full details and to apply!
BASICS Scotland Update
Please refer to the BASICS Scotland website for all course dates.
SCSCHF Update
Please refer to the SCSCHF website for all course dates.
DIHS Update
Please refer to DIHS website for all course dates.
Network
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