In 2013 the trust purchased the SimNewB at a cost of $48000 for the neonatal unit.

The SimNewB is an interactive simulator, designed by Laerdal with the American Academy of Pediatrics to meet the training requirements of neonatal emergency medicine and resuscitation courses.

The design allows instructors to control the Simulator’s responses throughout a training session with the push of a button on the remote handheld controller. It features six preset patient states ranging from a vigorous to a compromised newborn.

The simulator has realistic anatomy. It accurately represents a full term, 50th percentile newborn female. Measuring 53 cm and weighing 3 kgs, SimNewB can present as a limp, cyanotic newborn with no vital signs, or as a moving, crying, vigorous newborn.

It has an umbilicus with a life-like pulse which can be assessed, cut, and can be catheterized for IV access.

It also has realistic airway and breathing Functionality.The airway was designed to allow for training in all aspects of newborn airway management, including the use of Positive-Pressure Airway devices, and the placement of ET tubes and LMAs. Instructors can alter the simulator’s lung compliance to challenge providers’ skills in detecting and treating lung changes. The chest rise on the simulator can be adapted to be absent or normal, with breathing rates up to 100 breaths per minute.

The simulator is a valuable tool in the training of nurses and doctors in newborn resuscitation. It is used regularly with all staff especially those new to the area. Building confidence and familiarity with how to deal with different scenarios that may present at delivery and within the neonatal unit.