Hospital open day a big success

Hundreds of local people attended the recent open day at Southport hospital.  Despite the rain, families turned up to learn more about hospital services, chat to the teams, tour the theatres and even try out basic life-saving skills.

Visitors had the chance to see how the accident and emergency department would manage a major incident, along with ambulance crews, paramedics and fire fighters. The clinic for teddies was very popular with injured toys and even Toy Story hero Woody needing a plaster.

Medics explained how simulators are used to train doctors and people tried their hand at cannulation – on a dummy of course!

The new Garden of Reflection was opened on the day, with MP for central Sefton, Bill Esterson, cutting the ribbon, and a moving performance from local ladies choir, Just Voices. The garden has been created thanks to support from the Trust’s Organ and Tissue Donation Group, the West Lancashire Freemasons and Dobbies Garden Centre.  It will be used by patients, their families and friends, visitors, carers and staff – anyone who wishes to find a quiet space.

The open day was also attended by the Mayor of Sefton, Councillor Dave Robinson, and MP for Southport, Damien Moore.  They visited the stands, chatting to staff and public about the hospital.

Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust held its annual general meetinge with a recruitment event. Offering job interviews and – potentially – conditional offers on the day, enticed an impressive crowd. The Trust was able to offer jobs to an incredible 25 health care assistants and five registered nurses.

A Trust spokesperson said: “The event was so well attended and well received that we hope to hold a similar open day again next year at Ormskirk hospital.”