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, Bishop Auckland Hospital plus it's community hospitals in Weardale, Shotley Bridge, Chester le Street, Sedgefield and The Richardson Hospital, Barnard Castle.  The tours will include some of the Trust's newest and most innovative facilities, such as the simulation training centre at Bishop Auckland Hospital and other, just as vital, services such as the catering facility at Darlington Memorial Hospital, which annually provides a staggering 1,162,890 meals for patients across our sites. 

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 meet members of our executive team for a short question & answer session over a tea or coffee.  Dates and times of each tour are below.  It's essential to book a place either at www.cddft.eventbrite.co.uk or phone: 01325 743786. 

Darlington Memorial Hospital  

Tuesday 10^th September 2.00 - 4.00pm

We'll meet in Hollies Restaurant, lower ground floor, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, DL3 6HX   

University Hospital of North Durham

Friday 11^th October: 2.30pm - 4.30pm

We'll meet at Prospect House, just over the road from the hospital, at Aykley Heads, Durham DH1 5UU

Bishop Auckland Hospital 

Tuesday 15^th October: 2.00pm - 4.00pm  

We'll meet in the Simulation Centre, which is on the ground floor of  Bishop Auckland Hospital, Cockton Hill Road, Bishop Auckland DL14 6AD  

Weardale Community Hospital

Tuesday, 1^st October: 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL13 2JR

The Richardson Hospital

Tuesday 8^th October 10.00am - 12.00 noon

Victoria Road, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8HT

Shotley Bridge Community Hospital

Wednesday 9^th October: 10.00am - 12.00 noon

Consett, County Durham, DH8 0NB

Chester le Street Community Hospital

Wednesday 23^rd October: 3.00pm - 5.00pm

Front Street, Chester Le Street, County Durham, DH3 3AT

Sedgefield Community Hospital

Tuesday 29^th October: 2.00 pm - 4.00pm

Salters Lane, Sedgefield, County Durham, TS21 3EE

When registering, please let us know 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.

Ends

Published 12th August