Once-in-a-generation open day being held at Salisbury District Hospital
It's a chance to learn about the past, present and future of the site
An open day at Salisbury District Hospital today (Saturday 22nd July) is being billed as a chance for us to see what hospital life is all about.
Visitors will be able to see simulation robots, learn about the hospital’s efforts to become carbon neutral and find out why fundraising efforts through Stars Appeal are so necessary.
Dave Roberts from the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust says the hospital is keen to show the community they do:
“We've worked incredibly closely with people through some pretty hard times and it's just fantastic to be able to say, ‘we are your hospital come and have a look and come and see what we what we work with.’”
See how modern healthcare works
The hospital is more than just doctors, nurses and therapists, Dave said, adding: “There's an awful lot of professions engaged in delivering healthcare nowadays.
“Maybe some of them will be inspired to come and join us at some point in the future,” Dave said.
People will also be able to see some of the training tools staff use, like the simulation dummies, as well as the new ward that is being developed.
There's also a chance to see how the hospital works alongside South Wiltshire's military, with Wessex 243 Field Hospital showing us how they set up in battlefields.
Children can also bring their toys or teddies for a health check where they can be weighed and measured.
'Our stuff is old'
It’s hoped that the open day will enable the community to understand the work the four and a half thousand staff members do, but also why fundraising support is so critical.
“Some of our stuff is really old,” says Dave, “And when we're asking, you know, for people to fund us through the stars appeal or through government funding for new facilities, you'll see why we need it.”
Dave added that the open day is an important part of demonstrating to the Salisbury and South Wiltshire community that the hospital is part of it.
“We're very proud of that and that's very important to us,” said Dave.
The open day's on between 10.00am and 2.00pm today, with parking fees waived for the duration.