Come and see theatres in action

Ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors in an operating theatre? Well, now is your chance to find out. The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is hosting a special open day tomorrow (Wednesday) to give visitors and staff a taste of life at the sharp end.

Among the exhibits in the East Atrium will be a mock-up theatre, where you handle a range of surgical instuments. There will also be an opportunity to try your hand at keyhole surgery, using sugar cubes inside a box, and a chance to intubate a 'patient' (ie pass a tube into the windpipe).

The infection control team will be on hand to explain how to reduce the risk of infection, and there will be a demonstration showing how bones are repaired and joints replaced.

Organised by the National Association of Theatre Nurses, the day will be officially opened at 10:00 by Margaret Coomber, director of nursing and education for the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Trust

“The idea is to raise the profile of the National Association of Theatre Nurses (NATN) and to show the wide range of careers available in theatres,” says Nicola Baird, chairman of the Broadland branch of the NATN. “We want to give people a glimpse of what happens when a patient is wheeled through the theatre doors, and to show how many staff are needed to care for patients in the operating theatre environment.”

In addition to theatre nurses, there will be a chance to speak to anaesthetists, Operating Department Practioners and other key members of the surgical team, including staff from the Sterile Services Department, who clean and assemble the surgical instruments.

Visitors will also be able to enter a 'treasure hunt'-style competition to test their knowledge of the exhibits. Prizes will include a DVD player, a £50 shopping voucher and a hamper from Fortnum and Mason.

For children there will be face painting in the morning and a special competition to name a series of model body parts.

Most of the surgical equipment on display has been loaned for the day by the suppliers.

Everyone is are wecome to attend this event in the East Atrium of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on Wednesday 2 June, from 10:00 to 16:00.

Media contacts: Sue Jones on 01603 289944 or Hayley Gerrard on 01603 287200.

Photo opportunity:  All are wecome to attend this event in the East Atrium of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on Wednesday 2 June, from 10:00am to 16:00.