Go behind the scenes of TV's Trauma

Members of the public will get the chance to go behind the scenes of hit TV programme Trauma: Level One at Southampton’s teaching hospitals on Saturday as part of an action-packed open day.

Visitors will be able to meet and talk to doctors, nurses and other staff members involved with the life-saving work performed on the ITV1 show and view a special screening hosted in a lecture theatre by director of major trauma Dr Andy Eynon.

In the main activity areas, there will be opportunities to take virtual tours of the emergency department and visit makeshift adult and children’s intensive care units, where staff will be testing equipment and treating simulated patients.

Those interested in finding out more about the transfer of critically ill patients to hospital can tour the helipad, which will have an air ambulance on show, and step inside a dedicated intensive care unit ambulance.

“The open day really will be a fantastic opportunity for those who are interested in the amazing work that goes on in our hospitals on a daily basis to come and meet us during what will be a rare and captivating insight into our work,” said Dr Eynon.

In line with this year’s life-saving science theme, budding scientists will be able to look through some of the world’s most powerful microscopes in the biomedical imaging unit and visit the Cancer Research UK laboratories to see how science is advancing medical care.

As well as the chance to follow the path of blood tests and biopsies in pathology, tour the mortuary and undergo a series of health tests in the clinical research facility, children will be able to take their cuddly toys to the teddy bear hospital and get their arms plastered in the casting room.

Among the departments opening on the day will be the hospital pharmacy, spiritual care and the surgical day unit, while the main activity centres will include stands on everything from dementia, maternity and stroke, to patient safety, nutrition and diabetic eye screening.

Dr Michael Marsh, medical director at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The open day is now in its fifth year and, on every occasion so far, has proved to be a fantastic, fun-filled and action-packed event for all the family which we hope will continue this year with the introduction of yet more fascinating activities and stands.

“We want to take the opportunity to focus on our life-saving work following the successful impact of Trauma: Level One, but also on the science behind hospitals and that is why visitors will see clinical and laboratory research play a key part in this year’s event.”

The open day takes place on Saturday from 11am to 3pm at Southampton General Hospital with free visitor parking and will incorporate the Trust’s annual general meeting from 1pm to 2pm in lecture theatre two (South Academic Block, level B).