International delegates explore future of healthcare education

The University’s School of Health and Society welcomed guests from the Department for Business and Trade, along with international delegates from Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, South Africa, Indonesia, India, the UAE, Mexico, Thailand, Egypt, Peru, and Turkey.

The visit, which was hosted by Interim Dean of the School of Health and Society, Professor Vicky Halliwell, commenced with a presentation about the university and its amenities, including our new health and wellbeing building.

Vicky said: “We were delighted to welcome our international guests and showcase the cutting-edge learning environments we have developed here at Salford. Our invention of digital and simulation-based education reflects our commitment to preparing the healthcare workforce of the future.”

The visit aligned with a number of our strategic aims as a university, particularly in driving global engagement, fostering industry partnerships, and advancing digital, research-led education. The purpose of the visit was to support an upskilling programme for professionals from the UK’s international priority markets, providing insights into the unique strengths of the UK healthcare sector. The programme aimed to foster international partnerships, drive commercial opportunities, and support knowledge exchange, reinforcing the University’s mission to create real-world impact through applied learning and research.

The day included a tour of the university’s world-class simulation facilities, which was led by Dr. Leah Greene, Head of Simulation and Skills, and featured the Simulation Suite, high-tech manikins and virtual avatar patients, as well as VR, virtual anatomy and 360-degree AI-generated environments.

Leah added: “Simulation-based learning is a game-changer for healthcare education, allowing learners to practice both practical and non-technical skills in a realistic environment. Today’s visit gave us a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the innovative techniques and technology we use to enhance learning, and it was great to share ideas with our international colleagues on the future of digital healthcare training.”

The tour then featured a presentation by Dr. Cristina Vasilica, which included topics such as how communities of practice and shared learning can advance population health, equipping the workforce with digital capabilities, and opportunities for collaboration with academic and industry experts.

Finally, the visit concluded with a Digital Marketplace Showcase, featuring key projects that the university is affiliated with, such as:

• The Uganda Project – a co-created virtual experience supporting global healthcare initiatives
• The Eyam Project – a research-led approach to pandemic preparedness incorporating historical data and a contemporary virtual field trip
• Birley Place – a web-based virtual community focussing on people, places and scenarios
• The Kidney Information Network or KIN, a digital community of practice for people living with chronic kidney disease.
• Mood on the Move – a digital wearable mood tracker, designed to help young people in hospital settings who self-harm
• The University of Salford Digital Skills Passport (DISKPASS), a digital learning solution to equip learners with digital capabilities for education and practice
• Digital communities of practice, including KIN and Greater Manchester Multiple Sclerosis Network (GMMSIN)

Delegates described the visit as inspiring and insightful, reinforcing the University’s role as a global leader in healthcare education, digital innovation, and industry partnerships. The Department for Business and Trade expressed interest in making this an annual event, further strengthening Salford’s position as a key player in international knowledge exchange and workforce development.