DORSET County Hospital is preparing to welcome members of the public in for its annual open day.

This year’s event is being held on Saturday, October 15 from 2pm to 5pm and offers the community the chance to see behind the scenes of their local hospital.

A range of activities that have proved popular in recent years will be running include the CPR challenge and the teddy bear clinic.

There will also be tours of departments not normally open to the public.

This year’s tour programme includes theatres, pharmacy and the endoscopy department.

The hospital’s clinical simulation suite team will also be running demonstrations.

Free health checks will be offered by nurses and clinicians, including blood pressure, respiratory tests and mole checks.

The popular teddy bear clinic will be back to offer young visitors the chance to bring along their favourite cuddly toy or doll to have their heart listened to, or for them to receive a bandage.

The hospital has also teamed up with colleagues in the local ambulance service and the Dorset BikeSafe team so there will be emergency vehicles on site.

There will be a range of displays in the Education Centre in the hospital’s East Wing from departments around the hospital, including Research and Development, ICT, DCH Charity and trust membership.

The recruitment and volunteering teams will also be there to discuss opportunities to join the staff at the hospital.

Damers Restaurant will be offering a wide range of refreshments and home-made cakes on the day.

There will also be the opportunity to hear about the future of Dorset County Hospital during a presentation about the trust’s strategy.

Chief executive Patricia Miller said: “This is a chance for us to showcase the wonderful work that goes on at the hospital, often behind the scenes.

“Visitors can be sure of gaining a fascinating insight into the many different departments and services within the hospital.

“Staff have put a lot of work into organising this afternoon and I hope as many people as possible will make the most of this opportunity to find out more about how their local hospital operates.”

For more information call 01305 255419 or email foundation@dchft.nhs.uk