Mater Educator appointed executive of Australian Society for Simulation in Healthcare

Mater Education’s Simulation Manager Sharon Clipperton was recently appointed to the executive team of the Australian Society for Simulation in Healthcare (ASSH), giving Mater national representation in the global discussion around simulation.

ASSH’s mission is to promote simulation education, training and research to enhance safety and quality in healthcare. It comprises a cross section of the Australasian healthcare community who share simulation as a common interest, including healthcare professionals, academics, industry groups and policy makers.

As Mater Education’s Simulation Manager, Sharon is responsible for program development, delivery and operationalisation of simulation-based activities within the centre and across the wider Mater organisation.

As one of seven Members of Good Standing on ASSH’s executive committee, Sharon will contribute to the governance and application of best practice in simulation methodology, which will influence the use of simulation in the future.

“As a world leader in simulation, it is vital that Mater has representation on ASSH, which links strongly with the global simulation network,” Sharon said.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to ensure we remain at the forefront of what’s happening internationally in simulation, to strengthen connection with this community and to contribute at a high level towards the future direction of simulation.”

The society has big plans in the pipeline, including the launch of QualSim in late 2018—an initiative that will set the minimum standards required to ensure simulation is used safely. Mater will be one of the pilot sites for this initiative.

ASSH will also play a significant role in organising and delivering the Australian Simulation Congress in 2019 at the Gold Coast.

“At the end of the day, we want to ensure our patients receive the highest possible standard of quality, safety and effective care,” Sharon said.

“Simulation training provides personnel with the tools to perform their everyday work to the best of their ability and provide a safe and efficient service to patients.

“It pays to invest in simulation research, training and education and I’m thrilled to represent Mater on the ASSH committee, which will provide a national platform to do exactly that.”