Freedom of Information Request – Ref: FOI 234-2025
Thank you for your recent Freedom of Information request. Please find our response below.
You asked:
1. Does the Trust currently use simulation to train any staff groups (e.g., consultants, resident doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, etc.)?
Our response:
Yes, for medical students as part of our agreement with Bristol University..
You asked:
2. If yes, what simulation methodologies are employed (e.g., role-play with actors, digital avatars, augmented reality, virtual reality, or other approaches)?
Our response:
We are paid to host medical students and as part of their training we organise simulated emergency sessions and mock OSCE exams.
The simulated emergency uses trainee psychiatrist to role play the scenario. The mock exam uses a mixture of professional actors and trainee psychiatrists.
You asked:
3. What were the initial setup costs for implementing simulation training?
Our response:
No initial setup costs.
You asked:
4. What are the ongoing annual costs, if any, associated with maintaining and delivering simulation training?
Our response:
This is part of the requirement for hosting medical students. The Trust is paid for each student and from this money employs an undergraduate tutor and admin time.
Trainee psychiatrists give their NHS time but teaching is a required part of their training too.
You asked:
5. How many trainees did the Trust host in the last financial year (2024/2025) who were enrolled in training for a mental health–related profession?
Our response:
We hosted 47 medical students over the year 2024/2025.
Next steps:
Should you have any queries in relation to our response, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you are unhappy with the response you have received in relation to your request and wish to ask us to review our response, you should write to:
Louise Moss
Head of Legal Services / Associate Director of Corporate Governance
c/o Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
Edward Jenner Court
1010 Pioneer Avenue
Gloucester Business Park
Brockworth, GL3 4AW
E-mail: louise.moss@ghc.nhs.uk
If you are not content with the outcome of any review, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for further advice/guidance. Generally, the ICO will not consider your case unless you have exhausted your enquiries with the Trust which should include considering the use of the Trust’s formal complaints procedure. The ICO can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.