University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) is to hold an open day on Saturday 11 September – but it will be online.

The event will go live at 10am with virtual behind the scenes tours of different departments, including a pre-recorded maternity tour and a look around theatres, as well as videos showing how facial prosthesis are made and the journey of a prescription. There will also be a series of workshops for children and adults including an introduction to British Sign Language, an introduction to yoga and some mini exercise classes to keep you moving.

The trust’s Annual Members’ Meeting will start at 10.30am followed by a series of health talks via Microsoft Teams, with the day finishing at 4.30pm.

Anyone who visits online is encouraged to post a photo of themselves at the virtual event on social media, with the hash tag #UHDHERO. If you’re dressed up as a hospital hero in the photo that’s even better, and your photo could win a prize.

The virtual Open Day is open to all and a schedule of live talks is available now at www.uhd.nhs.uk/openday2021. All other sections and activities will be available on the day, including the Teams links to the series of talks:

11.30am: Asthma, allergies and the upcoming winter in children

12.30pm: Radiotherapy – past, present and future

1.30pm: Investing in our hospitals

2.30pm: UHD A great place to work

3.30pm: Childbirth – a variety of stories

Debbie Fleming, chief executive for UHD, said: “We know how important it is for the public to see what we are doing across our hospitals so while it’s disappointing not to be able to throw open our doors for the open day this year, I’m delighted we’ll be bringing it to you online.

“There is a great range of activities, from tours of theatres and our maternity unit to health talks on asthma, there really is something for everyone so I do hope you will encourage friends and families to join us.”

In-person open days at both the Royal Bournemouth (RBH) and Christchurch hospitals and Poole Hospital have always been extremely popular events, with the 2019 event at RBH attracting more than 3,000 visitors in five hours. It is hoped the open day will return to a face-to-face format next year.