Middlesex simulation centre earns prestigious accreditation for excellence

National recognition reinforces healthcare training quality and future readiness

As the healthcare sector faces growing demand for skilled professionals, high-quality simulation training is increasingly valuable in preparing the next generation of the workforce. Middlesex University's Clinical Simulation Centre has been recognised for its excellence in training nursing and midwifery students.

The Middlesex University multi-million pound high-tech training centre at StoneX has been awarded a Certificate of Accreditation by the Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare (ASPiH), recognising the Centre's delivery of education at a quality standard that demonstrates high-quality simulation-based practice. The accreditation is valid for three years from 27 October 2026.

The accreditation recognises Middlesex University's commitment to delivering high-quality simulation-based learning that prepares nursing and midwifery students for the realities of modern healthcare practice.

The Clinical Simulation Centre enables students to learn and practice in realistic healthcare environments using a combination of manikins, simulated patients and immersive technologies.

The award comes at a time when simulation-based learning has an increasingly important role in healthcare education. The recent Trained-for-Tomorrow report, produced by the Higher Education Commission and the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group, highlights simulation's growing contribution to workforce development and capacity across the NHS. Recommendation 10 states that simulation hours counting towards proficiency and practice learning requirements should be delivered by providers meeting defined quality standards aligned with those of ASPiH.

The ASPiH review team praised the Centre's commitment to excellence, safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability. Reviewers described Middlesex’s Clinical Simulation Centre as having a "clear focus on high-quality simulation delivery" and commended the impact of its work on learners, staff and healthcare partners.

Cariona Flaherty, Interim Head of Nursing & Midwifery at Middlesex University, said:

"This accreditation recognises the dedication and expertise of colleagues across our nursing and midwifery programmes who are committed to providing exceptional learning experiences for students.

“Simulation helps students build confidence, strengthen clinical judgement and develop the skills they need before entering practice. We are delighted that the quality of our work has been recognised by ASPiH."

Dr Dave Cousens, Dean of the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education at Middlesex University, said:

"This is a significant achievement for our Nursing and Midwifery team and a powerful endorsement of the excellent work taking place in our Clinical Simulation Centre. As healthcare education evolves, high-quality simulation will play an increasingly important role in preparing the NHS workforce of the future. This accreditation reflects our commitment to providing students with the very best preparation for professional practice."

The accreditation further strengthens Middlesex University's reputation for innovative healthcare education and reflects its commitment to equipping future nurses and midwives with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to deliver high-quality patient care.

Find out more about our Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work degrees.