Popular Bournemouth hospital open day returns

Hubs throughout Royal Bournemouth Hospital will offer a range of activities at the RBH Open Day on 9 September, with something for every age. There will be a Health Hub, where blood pressure and glucose level checks will be carried out, an Education and Careers Hub, an Emergency Services Hub, a Kids’ Hub and opportunities to go behind the scenes with tours of Theatres, Pharmacy and the Birthing Centre. Health talks will take place in a marquee by the lake, where the RBCH Annual Members’ Meeting will be held at 12noon.

Children visiting the Kids’ Hub will be able to try out a giant game of Operation, attend the popular Teddy Bear Clinic and have a ‘How healthy is your lunchbox?’ check, where a nutritionist will talk to them about their food choices and see if their lunch is missing any key food groups. Children will also be given a sticker passport on arrival, which they can complete by visiting different areas throughout the day.

Anyone interested in working, volunteering, or completing work experience at RBCH can head to the Educations and Careers Hub, where the medical simulation suite will be open and the recruitment and voluntary services teams will be on hand to answer any questions.

Representatives from Dorset Police, Safe Bus and Dorset Fire and Rescue will be at the event and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is set to make an appearance during the day, weather permitting.

Alyson O’Donnell, medical director for the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital Trust, said, “This year’s Open Day is set to be bigger and better than last year with over 45 different departments and organisations involved. This year we have created hubs, which we’re hoping will help visitors find the attraction or department they are most interested in. Our most popular activities like the tours and the Teddy Bear Clinic have returned, as well as other new, engaging activities. I’m convinced the competition to see who can change a nappy the quickest will be very popular!”

“There will be free parking on the day and our Catering Team will have special offers available on BBQ food and afternoon tea – it’s sure to be a great day.”