Work is well under way as Sunderland University's new Cadveric centre is taking shape

A multi-million pound new centre to train future generations of doctors is taking shape in Sunderland.
Work is underway on the multi-million pound new centre to train future generations of doctors in Sunderland.Work is underway on the multi-million pound new centre to train future generations of doctors in Sunderland.
Work is underway on the multi-million pound new centre to train future generations of doctors in Sunderland.

Sunderland University’s centre for Cadaveric research – the study of dead bodies – will form part of the newly-established School of Medicine, while also providing world-class training for other students within the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing and training opportunities for many of the region’s current surgeons and surgical trainees.

Professor of Anatomy Debs Patten said the centre would be a major boost: “We deliver anatomy teaching to a range of healthcare education programmes across the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing using a blended approach of virtual dissection, digital and clinical imaging, portable ultrasound and living anatomy as well as using anatomical models,” she said.

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“These learning resources are greatly appreciated by our students and staff, but undoubtedly the inclusion of cadaveric anatomy will be of huge benefit to our institution and indeed the region.

How the new Cadaveric centre will lookHow the new Cadaveric centre will look
How the new Cadaveric centre will look

“Anatomy is widely appreciated as being one of the most significant elements of medical education.

“Digital resources are highly effective educational tools but cannot reproduce the variability and complexity of the human body and for this reason, medical students and their educators consider cadaveric anatomy to be the gold standard for anatomy education.2

Most UK medical students would study cadaveric anatomy, she said, and only a handful of UK medical schools did not offer cadaveric anatomy.

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As well as the University’s medical students the centre will also be used by those on other programmes including paramedicine, physiotherapy, nursing and others.

Matt Western MP, Shadow Minister for Further Education and Universities is shown round the new centre by Professor of Anatomy Debs PattenMatt Western MP, Shadow Minister for Further Education and Universities is shown round the new centre by Professor of Anatomy Debs Patten
Matt Western MP, Shadow Minister for Further Education and Universities is shown round the new centre by Professor of Anatomy Debs Patten

The Centre has been established with the help of generous funding from the Sir James Knott Trust and the Garfield Weston Foundation.

Andrew Bumfrey, Associate Director of Space Architect, who designed the new centre, said: “The project provides a great future for the teaching of anatomy and further enhances the School’s facilities.

“The new building will support a range of dedicated, state-of-the-art learning environments for staff and students, influencing the education of future generations of doctors, nurses and other key healthcare workers.”

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Shadow Minister for Further Education and Universities Matt Western was able to see the latest developments at the centre when he visited the University last week.

Work on the Cadaveric centre is well under wayWork on the Cadaveric centre is well under way
Work on the Cadaveric centre is well under way

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