Hospital first in UK to use maternity manikin with dark skin

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

By Daniel Pye

The first NHS manikin to represent a pregnant patient with dark skin is being used to train staff at a Yorkshire hospital.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has introduced the model which can simulate standard deliveries and complex scenarios including breech births and shoulder dystocia.

The trust started using the manikin because it helps staff recognise conditions such as jaundice and rashes on dark skin tones during emergencies.

The full-size model is in the hospital’s simulation centre that can be transformed into a resuscitation area, an operating theatre, ICU room and a ward setting.

Simulation training lead Tracey Harrison said: “Our manikins, including adults, children, toddlers and babies, already reflect a broader range of skin tones, which is vital when providing care to diverse communities. They improve teaching and better equip staff to identify signs of health issues and deterioration sooner.

Credit: Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust