LONDON, Ont. – TD Bank Group is donating $500,000 to support training for doctors in women’s care, including those focused on pregnancy, birthing and newborn care at London Health Sciences Centre.

The money will be used to help create a dedicated physical space for a Women’s and Children’s Simulation Training Program. “We can’t thank TD Bank Group enough for investing in our community’s health through this generous donation,” said John MacFarlane (pictured), London Health Sciences Foundation president and CEO.

The hospital introduced the Women’s and Children’s Simulation Training Program in 2011 using high- and low-fidelity mannequins, representing different patient groups like newborn and adult obstetrical.

The program trains LHSC personnel as well as clinical teams from community hospitals across the region.

“See one, do one, teach one” was once the practice for medical education and training – meaning healthcare professionals learned by observing and practicing in real patient-care situations.

While real-life experience is still important, technology now enables LHSC to conduct sophisticated simulation training that enhances and expands on that former model.

“Simulation training improves real-world communication, collaboration, teamwork and crisis management in the delivery room, clinic and operating room,” said Emily Williams, LHSC’s director of women’s care. “These dynamics are extremely important when we are providing acute care to the most vulnerable patient populations – including neonatal and obstetrical patients.”

The program is currently housed in a temporary space at LHSC’s Victoria Hospital.

TD Bank Group’s contribution will help LHSC create a planned, state-of-the-art centre that will allow for optimal simulation research and training.

This includes realistically replicating clinical settings, enabling filming and providing dedicated debriefing rooms – permitting participants to observe their behaviours during a simulated crisis situation, to assess team performance and to identify opportunities for improvement.