PROPS resembling those from television programmes such as Holby City and Casualty are being used by trainee students at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, it has been revealed.

The hybrid laparotomy models, which were first introduced to the hospital in 2010, are made of silicon and contain pig entrails as well as fake blood to simulate a human body undergoing surgery.

The dummies are featured in the infirmary’s specialist simulation centre, which also includes an operating theatre. The facility enables clinical staff to undergo specialised training in life-like situations. CCTV cameras also used to record the mock operations, and footage is replayed afterwards for students to see how they coped.

Royal Berkshire Hospital consultant surgeon James Ramus said: “The simulation model means that students can practise their surgical skills on a full-size torso for the first time, giving them valuable and practical experience ready for real-life patient scenarios.”

The dummies can be linked to monitors and equipment which would be used on real patients. Trainee surgeons are able to communicate with staff in a control room, who can watch proceedings through a one-way glass window, and use microphones to make the models “speak”.

Royal Berkshire Hospital, one of the first institutions in the country to use the dummies, has bought five adult and paediatric ones costing between £10,000 and £40,000 each.