Invitation to take a look behind the scenes in your local hospitals
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be part of one of the many teams working behind the scenes, running some of the busy services at your local hospitals – now’s your chance to find out.
This September and October, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, is inviting members of the public to join tours of University Hospital of North Durham, Darlington Memorial Hospital and Bishop Auckland Hospital.  The tours will include some of the trust’s newest and most innovative facilities, such as the simulation centre at Bishop Auckland Hospital and other, just as vital, services such as the catering facility at Darlington Memorial Hospital, which provides meals for all the trust’s inpatients and many of its staff, every day.
Commenting, chief executive, Sue Jacques, said, “We’re very proud of our services and, in particular, the dedicated and skilled teams running them.  I hope people will take this chance for a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes.  For instance, many of us will have had a blood test, but how many of us know what happens to the sample once it reaches the laboratory?  We probably also all know someone who has had an MRI scan, but what does that involve and  how do scans help in diagnosing serious conditions?   We’ve identified areas at each hospital that we hope people will find interesting and enjoy seeing ‘up close’.  Or, if you want to find out more about some of the jobs there are in the NHS, and the qualifications you need to do them, why not come along?”
There will also be an opportunity at the end of each tour to ask questions over a tea or coffee.  Dates and time of each tour are below.  It’s essential to book a place either at www.cddft.nhs.uk and follow the ‘eventbrite’ link or phone: 01325 743786.
Darlington Memorial Hospital
Wednesday 19 September
9.30am or 2.30pm
All tours start in Hollies Restaurant, lower ground floor.
University Hospital of North Durham
Thursday 20 September
9.30am or 2.30pm
Tours start at Prospect House, Aykley Heads, Durham DH1 5UU.  There’s parking nearby but it’s also only a short walk from the main hospital.
Bishop Auckland Hospital
Wednesday 10th October
9.30am or 2.30am
Tours start in the Simulation Centre, which is on the ground floor.
When registering, please indicate if you have any mobility or other access issues.  If you have any queries please email:  cdda-tr.communications@nhs.net – or ring 01325 743786