A $60,000 advanced birthing simulator of a mother giving birth to a baby is now being used in the training of midwives, doctors, anaesthetists and other health professionals at the hospital.

Orange Health Service clinical midwifery educator Michelle Johnston said the SimMom model was a fantastic tool for students and trainees to be exposed to a range of possible birthing situations in a realistic and safe environment.

A computer operated close to the simulator can program a range of changing situations in the condition of the mother and baby, providing practical experience for staff to practise their responses.

The life-like mannequin of full body size with baby in utero can stand, be supported by staff in a realistic birthing scenario and even kneel or lean on a bed.

Orange Health Service director of women’s health Dr Sachin Kotasthane said the SimMom was an integral part of healthcare training 

“This is a fundamental approach to improve patient safety and the safety for mothers,” Dr Kotasthane said.

“I’ve used a lot of simulation technology in the UK and have found that it’s the best way to learn - and it makes teaching easy.”

The simulator installed at Orange hospital is one of 25 across the state, joining those already installed in the major metropolitan teaching hospitals, Wagga Wagga and Dubbo.

The Orange simulator was provided by a $30,000 contribution from Orange Health Service, $15,000 from the Premi-Babes Association of Orange and $15,000 from the University of Sydney School of Rural Health.