Last month, the Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences welcomed MPs, policy leaders, NHS executives and sector representatives as part of the Health Education & Training Inquiry event. The day was designed to foster meaningful dialogue between education, workforce strategy and policy.
Run by Policy Connect, the event featured presentations from three of our final year students. Vice-Chancellor Jane Harrington opened the event with a welcome address, followed by an overview of health education at the University of Greenwich.
During a session focused on practical education and placements, Hilary Orpin, Associate Dean for Student Success, facilitated a conversation with students Natasha Mir (BSc Paramedic Science), Devan Chauhan (BSc Children’s Nursing) and Ashlame Abimiku (BSc Children’s Nursing). They shared their lived experiences, journeys to Greenwich and reflections on placement and preparing for healthcare roles.
This was followed by a health and simulation innovation which took place at our Greenwich Learning and Simulation Centre (GLASC). Vice‑Chancellor Jane Harrington and the senior leadership team observed a two‑hour sequential simulation designed to demonstrate purposeful, immersive education in practice.
The scenario transported viewers into a community flat where a 37‑weeks‑pregnant woman showed signs of severe pre‑eclampsia, while her grandfather, Dave, navigated progressive dementia and the need for a residential care pathway.
Reflecting on the demonstration, Charles Everard, Head of Faculty Technical Learning & Support, said: “What resonated most with our policy and workforce colleagues was the systems thinking - how education can mirror real‑world complexity, interdisciplinarity and decision‑making. Simulation should be immersive, creative and engaging. But above all, it must have meaning.”
The event concluded with an inquiry session, giving students the opportunity to share their experiences, challenges and recommendations directly into the inquiry.
Huge thanks to our students for their contributions – the event was a fantastic showcase of health education at the University of Greenwich, simulation innovation and student‑centred learning.
