Our vision

Hartwell Simulation was founded by Dr Daniel Hartwell and Michael Sheedy who both share a common vision of providing a low cost medical simulator which helps medical professionals improve safety and quality of care provided to patients.

Simulation is a key way for clinical teams to practice rare, unanticipated or critical events, so they are better equipped to meet such situations in real life. Until now, only the most expensive simulators have provided clinical teams with a truly immersive environment by allowing the use of real clinical monitors for simulation. Hartwell Simulation has revolutionised the industry.

A new technology

Hartwell’s groundbreaking technology allows for high fidelity in-situ medical simulation, using clinical monitors present in the clinical environment. The portable plug-and-play system converts any theatre into the most realistic training environment for any clinician: their own. A wireless tablet controls physiological outputs which are displayed on the same vital signs monitors used daily by clinicians. From these readings, the clinical team can take the same appropriate responses which may prove life-saving with a real patient in exactly the same operating environment. The realism is truly immersive and so is the learning experience.

More effective

Ultimately, a better prepared clinical team is a more effective team, which leads to the most important outcome of all: improved patient outcomes. That’s the driving force at the heart of what Hartwell does.

Surgeons, doctors, and nurses need to undergo more training than ever before. But training for crisis situations in a way which feels immersive and authentic can be hugely expensive. Anaesthetists and other clinicians working in ICU and ED often leave the hospital to attend simulation courses at a significant cost to hospitals. Simulation is often out of reach for team members and the equipment used in offsite simulations may not be what the clinical team is familiar with, which can reduce the effectiveness of training.

Changing the game

Hartwell Simulation is changing the game. The innovative world-leading device connects directly to a hospital’s system, which means simulation events can be run directly through the clinical team’s usual setup. Sounds, environments, and vital signs monitors which the clinical team uses every day tell them what the situation with the virtual patient is. This means they can react in the same environment which they would be in during potentially life-threatening emergencies — this situational learning is incredibly powerful. Physiological signals are controlled through a wireless tablet to respond to the actions of the operator and also tests local systems and protocols.

Daniel Hartwell

I am an Anaesthetic Specialist and Simulation Lead for Christchurch Anaesthetic Department. I have a passion for Simulation Based Medical Education, with a particular interest in low cost high fidelity simulation and novel approaches to simulation challenges, presenting on this topic at the World Congress of Anaesthetists in Hong Kong 2016. Outside of anaesthetics and simulation you can normally find me on a mountain bike, surfboard, kayak or ski’s.

Michael Sheedy

I am a Biomedical Engineer and have been involved in a number of research & development projects working closely with clinical staff to provide innovative solutions in health. I also support clinical simulation by assisting in the development of scenarios and providing technical support while running simulations. I enjoy the mix of these roles which gives a greater understanding of the role of robust product development design for patient safety through seeing equipment used in challenging environments.

Michael Anderson

Geoff Todd

I have been heavily involved in starting a number of tech companies in multiple roles; part of the team, on the Board, mentoring or support and as an investor. Currently I am Chairman of a large medical practice and, separately, a growing tech company.