Families fascinated as Queen Alexandra Hospital hosts annual open day

VISITORS were given an eye-opening experience as the Queen Alexandra Hospital held its open day on Saturday.
Matthew and Molly Dyson being shown how a cannula works by play specialist Zoe Parton                          Picture: Habibur RahmanMatthew and Molly Dyson being shown how a cannula works by play specialist Zoe Parton                          Picture: Habibur Rahman
Matthew and Molly Dyson being shown how a cannula works by play specialist Zoe Parton Picture: Habibur Rahman

Hundreds flocked through the doors to get a first-hand glimpse at the work and research conducted by teams at the Cosham hospital.

Departments such as radiotherapy, paediatrics and maternity were packed with people wanting to learn more about the work being carried out.

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For 10-year-old Molly Dyson, from Fareham, it was a day that she had long been looking forward to.

Molly said: ‘It has given me a real insight into what really goes on at the hospital.’

She was taken to the open day by parents Claire and Jamie, who both work at the QA, so she and her brother Matthew, five, could explore their working world.

Molly added: ‘There’s so much I want to see and learn about. It is all really exciting and I’m glad that I came.

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Dave Carter, from Waterlooville, saw the day as a chance to educate his six-year-old son, Jack, about the world behind the QA’s doors.

He said: ‘Today was all about giving him a chance to learn about the hospital.

‘I think it’s such an important facility for the community and that kids should learn all about it from an early age.

‘By giving him a chance to come and see all the work that goes on, I hope it shows him just how great it is to have a hospital like this close to home.’

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Jessie Gisby, 11, from Waterlooville was in the radiology section, learning all about the hospital’s X-ray machines.

She said: ‘I didn’t know how important the machines are to the hospital before I came along today.

‘It surprised me just how much they are needed and how often they get used.

‘I feel really inspired with what I’ve learnt too.’

Her mother, Donna, who works at the hospital as a patients flow manager, added: ‘Days like these are really important as they are all about boosting our kids’ education about their local hospital.

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‘I’m glad that she’s got inspired by it all as that is really what I was looking for.’

Ryan Krum, from Petersfield, was also inspired by the day.

He brought along his children, Caspar, three, Jude, seven and Jonah, four, to the event.

He said: ‘For me, it has been super interesting to get to learn about departments such as the orthopaedic unit.

‘I just hope the kids get something out of it and that it piques their interest.’

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