A new laparoscopic trainer has been delivered to the obstetrics and gynaecology department at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

The equipment will be permanently based within the department, providing junior doctors with the opportunity for easy access whilst on-call.

The laparoscopic trainer is used to develop skills in a number of keyhole surgical techniques including gauging surgical depth, manual dexterity and suturing. These are highly complex skills and are used in theatres to treat patients with a variety of conditions, including gynaecological cancers, ovarian cysts and endometriosis.

Babu Karavadra, clinical research fellow in obstetrics and gynaecology, will be one of the first to use the new equipment. He said: 'Building knowledge and competence in laparoscopic techniques is a key part of training for anyone pursuing a career in this specialty. I'm really looking forward to the teaching and mentoring opportunities having the equipment on the unit will provide.'

Peer to peer training will also be enhanced by the new equipment being so easily accessible. The team plan to share learnings from complex cases and will also take the opportunity to support junior medical staff in developing skills through continued repetition in a collaborative environment.

Team members looking to focus their development on specific areas within the gynaecology specialty will also be supported to do so with the laparoscopic trainer so readily available.

Mr Tim Duncan, consultant gynaecological oncologist at NNUH, added: 'The new laparoscopic trainer will be a great resource to have within the department. Although our students and trainees do have access to similar equipment within the Skills Lab at the hospital, having the equipment in-situ will hopefully enable them to utilise short periods of downtime to build and practise their skills.

'Collaborative learning is a huge part of training to be a highly skilled doctor at NNUH and this fantastic new addition will help to facilitate this within the department.'