See the Da Vinci robot in action at Royal Bournemouth Hospital

The hospital’s surgical theatres will be open from 10am to 4pm with visitors able to see the Da Vinci robot in action. This specialised piece of equipment offers minimally invasive surgery to prostate cancer patients and is the first of its kind in Dorset. Anaesthetic equipment, orthopaedic implants (hip and knee) and vascular grafts will also be on display.

Rebecca Cresswell, staff nurse for theatres, said: “The Da Vinci robot is the subject of much intrigue. This is our chance to show off just what the machine is capable of and is your chance to see it in action – we guarantee it will impress.

“For anyone considering a medical career, this is also your chance to ask questions and get a flavour of working life in a hospital.”

The hospital’s physiotherapy gym, located in the Rehabilitation Department, will be open from 10am to 1pm during the interactive open day. Visitors will be able to try the AlterG machine, a specialist anti-gravity treadmill invented by NASA. The machine helps patients struggling with conditions such as arthritis of the knee joint or lower back pain by using air pressure to reduce their overall bodyweight by up to 80% while walking or running.

Matt Low, senior physiotherapist, said: “The AlterG machine is one of a handful in use in England, so we’re incredibly lucky to have it available to us. It allows patients to begin their rehabilitation much earlier than before, speeding up their overall recovery.

“You will have the opportunity to watch weightlessness in action and the budding astronauts among you may well be lucky enough to give it a go.”

Other activities not to be missed include a children’s treasure hunt, birds of prey display, blood pressure, blood glucose and lung function tests and a series of talks from the hospital Trust’s healthcare experts.

For more information, please visit www.rbch.nhs.uk or Trust Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RBCHTrust/.