UEA opens new state-of-the-art anatomy suite for next generation of healthcare professionals
By: Communications
The University of East Anglia (UEA) has opened a new anatomy suite that will enhance healthcare training, expand surgical education and support professional development across the region.
Located in the Edith Cavell Building on Norwich Research Park, the new facility will provide enhanced teaching, training and research opportunities across medicine, dentistry and clinical sciences.
Designed as a UK exemplar facility, the suite combines traditional anatomy-based learning with modern technology, creating a dedicated space for undergraduate teaching, surgical training and professional skills development.
The facility will also transform anatomy teaching for UEA students. For the first time, 120 medical students, equivalent to half a year group, can be taught together in a single session.
The suite features 17 dissection tables, improved audiovisual facilities, integrated iPads at every workstation and high-quality anatomical models. Together, these will support a more flexible and engaging learning experience.
The expanded facilities will also increase opportunities for students from graduate-entry medicine, dentistry, healthcare, and clinical sciences programmes to gain valuable dissection experience.
Prof Richard Haywood, head of anatomy at UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “This development strengthens UEA's ability to deliver specialist postgraduate and continuing professional development training.
“By increasing teaching capacity, expanding access to anatomy education and creating opportunities for advanced surgical training, this facility will help ensure future healthcare professionals develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to deliver outstanding patient care.
“The new facility will allow us to further develop surgical skills courses and develop a robotic surgery teaching suite above the anatomy facility to support clinicians and surgeons across the region.
“We are also bidding to host additional regional training programmes.”
The new anatomy suite has been designed to support a broad range of teaching and training activities, creating a flexible environment that can adapt to the evolving needs of healthcare education.
The investment comes at a time when many institutions are increasing their use of virtual and AI-based anatomy teaching tools. UEA's new facilities reinforce the University's commitment to providing students and healthcare professionals with access to real human anatomy, complemented by the latest educational technology.
Phil Page, project manager for the development, said: “We hope this fantastic development will attract more postgraduate learners, clinicians and healthcare professionals to Norwich for specialist anatomy and surgical training."
The anatomy suite has already welcomed its first users and will support a growing range of educational, clinical and professional development activities. Its first full intake of students will begin using the facility at the start of the new academic year in September.
Considering your options for September? Clearing is your chance to find the course that fits you.
Be ready for results day with the latest updates. Register for Clearing updates.
Related Articles
Plans submitted for a new high-tech anatomy centre at UEA
Plans have been submitted by the University of East Anglia for a new future-proofed anatomy suite to be built as an extension to the Edith Cavell Building on Norwich Research Park, following extensive feasibility studies and a successful grant application
Read more
Work underway on UEA’s new high-tech anatomy centre
Works have commenced on UEA's new Anatomy Suite. The facility is planned to be completed during 2025, supporting the recruitment and retention of highly skilled health care professionals, both regionally and nationally.
Read more
The digital therapy helping dementia carers
A University of East Anglia (UEA) project to help carers looking after people with dementia has been hailed a success.
Read more