It has been suggested that simulation should be integrated into medical curricula to complement learning in the clinical workplace.1 Royal Colleges, Deaneries and Hospital Trusts have developed simulation strategies to try to facilitate this. In our regions (Merseyside and the north-west of England), clinicians were asked to develop simulation training in their own specialities which could link in with these strategies. To this end, we developed a 2-day neonatal simulation course for specialist trainee Level 2 and 3 doctors to attend prior to them assuming a more senior role on a neonatal unit (the ‘pre-ST4’ course). The course includes practical clinical skills workshops (airway management, intubation, umbilical catheterisation and chest drain insertion), short lectures …