York Hospital opens departments to the public

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is once again opening its doors to the public to give an exclusive insider look at some of the hospital departments.

The event will take place on Wednesday 17 July between 10.30am -12.30pm and will give patients, local residents, and staff the unique opportunity to explore areas of the hospital not normally open to the public via a series of guided tours. All tours are on a first come, first served basis.

Brian Golding, Director of Estates and Facilities, said: "We’re giving people the chance to explore the facilities usually hidden from view including the VIE unit, which takes medical gases to the wards and theatres, the boiler house, which produces energy for most of the hospital services and the calorifier room which controls heating and water services to specific areas.

"People are always fascinated by our emergency generator room where we explain how the hospital responds to a mains power failure. There will even be an option to take a trip into our electrical sub-station."

Tours are also offered of the hospital’s operating theatres in the Day Unit where a variety of operations take place on a regular basis. Visitors will also learn how the busy Day Unit operates.

In addition, the hospital’s bereavement suite will also be open on the day. Its innovative use of light and colour, non institutional furniture, fittings and artworks, together with the tranquil private garden won the suite a national award for creating the best patient environment.

Also based in the Bereavement Suite, will be the Specialist Palliative Care Team who will be available to discuss any issues about palliative care and the very sensitive area of care at the end of life.

Those wishing to take a tour should make their way to the welcome stand in the main entrance of the hospital, where they will be greeted by a team member.

Anyone wishing to book a tour in advance should call 01904 726491.

10 July 2013