In July, members of the Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC) team visited the MELISSA (Mobile Educational Learning Improving Simulation Safety Activities) bus, a unique double-decker bus designed to deliver healthcare education and training across the North East and North Cumbria.

The bus is a collaborative effort between the North East Simulation Network, I Can Prevent Delirium, NHSE Education North East Faculty of Patient Safety, and the Find Your Place in the North East and North Cumbria campaign.

The MELISSA bus serves as a mobile hub for healthcare professionals, providing them with access to innovative educational tools, simulation equipment, and resources aimed at improving patient safety and clinical outcomes.

HI NENC’s visit focused on exploring how the bus is raising awareness of innovation support and encouraging innovative thinking among NHS Trust staff.

In this blog post, HI NENC’s Elena Matucci, Programme Manager, and Nick Harrison, Market Researcher, share how the Melissa Bus roadshow is fostering a culture of innovation in our region.

Key Features of the MELISSA Bus

The MELISSA bus is equipped with a variety of advanced educational tools and facilities, including:

  • Simulation Equipment: High-fidelity simulation tools designed to replicate real-life clinical scenarios, enabling healthcare professionals to practise and refine their skills in a safe environment.
  • Clinical Suite: A fully functional clinical suite that mimics hospital settings, providing hands-on training opportunities.
  • Control Room: A space for instructors to monitor and control simulations, enhancing the educational experience.
  • Comfortable Seating Area: A welcoming environment for discussions, reflections, and collaboration among visitors.
  • Educational Tools: A range of tools aimed at enhancing the learning experience, including the Cervix Visual Assessment Guide and Smart Newborn Resuscitation Training System.
  • Audio-Visual Equipment and Interchangeable Display Panels: Modern AV equipment and customisable displays that support various educational programmes.
  • Accessibility: The bus is designed to be accessible to disabled visitors, ensuring inclusivity for all healthcare professionals.

The MELISSA Bus On Tour

The University Hospital Tees innovation roadshow was launched in July and was a collaborative endeavour between South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the NTH Innovation Team, North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. The idea came from Kara Pickering, Sharon Brown and Jonathan Rowley. The bus-themed roadshow travelled to different locations across all four hospital sites each month, setting the stage for staff members to hop on board and share their groundbreaking ideas.

The MELISSA bus played a huge role in launching the innovation roadshow, enabling the Trusts’ innovation teams to showcase their staff innovations and engage with staff who had previously been hard to reach. The MELISSA bus travelled across Teesside, visiting Hartlepool Hospital, Friarage Hospital, and James Cook Hospital to spread the word about innovation and the impact it had on our communities and the NHS.

Promoted Innovations

During the visit, HI NENC observed several innovative devices and services being promoted on the MELISSA bus, each designed to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes:

  • 3D Printing in Trauma and Orthotics: The bus showcased the use of 3D printing technology to create accurate models of bones and other structures. This innovation is particularly valuable in trauma and orthotics, as it allows for effective pre-operative planning, potentially reducing surgical risks and improving outcomes.
  • Cervix Visual Assessment Guide: This educational tool aims to improve the identification and diagnosis of cervical cancer. By providing healthcare professionals with a visual guide, it enhances their ability to detect abnormalities early, leading to better patient outcomes.
  • Smart Newborn Resuscitation Training System: The bus featured a smart training system designed to improve neonatal resuscitation skills. This system provides real-time feedback and guidance, helping healthcare providers enhance their competencies in critical newborn care.
  • The Community Kit Bag: A practical resource aimed at supporting community healthcare workers, the Community Kit Bag contains essential tools and supplies that enable effective care delivery in community settings.
  • Sanistation PPE Dispenser: A retrofitted PPE dispenser that allows staff to access PPE while keeping it safe from high-risk patients, such as patients with dementia
  • NHS Implant Analysis: The NHS Implant Analysis Service conducts independent physical analysis of used explanted medical devices and reports on their performance in patients.
  • Blue Mental Health Learning: These training courses have bee crafted by therapists specialising in cognitive-behavioural therapies for children. Empowering both parents and schools alike.

Engagement and Encouraging Innovation

The MELISSA bus was designed to foster a culture of innovation among NHS Trust staff. There was a great atmosphere on the bus and we were welcomed onboard with cakes, biscuits and tea. Staff members from various departments were encouraged to visit the bus, engage with the displayed innovations, and participate in discussions about how these advancements could be integrated into their day-to-day roles.

The bus successfully highlighted the importance of continuous learning and the adoption of new technologies in healthcare. There was hands-on experiences and demonstrations, inspiring staff to think creatively and consider how they could contribute to innovative practices within their own teams.

At the heart of the roadshow initiative lies a commitment to fostering a culture of innovation. By providing a platform for employees to unleash their creativity and share their insights, we aim to tap into the wealth of knowledge within our teams – the experts. This isn’t just about generating ideas; it’s about empowering our staff members to take ownership of their innovations and drive progress across all areas of our organisation