Morgues, pathology and hospital radio '“ QA to reveal all at hospital open day

The open day, which will take place on Saturday, October 13, will offer activities for all age groups including informative stalls, behind-the-scenes department tours and recruitment workshops.

Giant inflatable lungs will showcase the effects of smoking, the hospital's Xim system will be demonstrated and interactive stalls will be scattered around for people to get hands-on with hospital life.

Chief executive Mark Cubbon said: '˜Our open day is a fantastic opportunity for all the family to find out more about their hospital and the wide range of services that are delivered here every day of the year.

'˜There are 40 interactive stalls already confirmed as well as the fascinating department tours to show the inner workings of our hospital.

'˜This year we're especially excited to be promoting our '˜We Share Clean Air' theme to highlight the Queen Alexandra hospital site going smoke-free from January next year.

'˜Lung cancer rates in Portsmouth are particularly high.

'˜As one of the largest employers in Portsmouth and one of the busiest acute hospitals in the UK, we have a responsibility to help support our staff and our local community to stop smoking.'

A number of tours of different departments will take place throughout the day '“ giving people the chance to explore the hospital radio studio, microbiology department and the morgue.

Booking is not required for the tours, which are free to take part in.

The event will also have a focus on recruitment, showing people the various paths towards a career in the NHS '“  with speakers from departments such as occupational therapy, microbiology, radiotherapy and breast imaging as well as some specialist nurses and practice educators.

Mr Cubbon says that the stories of people working at the hospital may inspire the next generation of hard-working hospital staff.

'˜With the NHS celebrating its 70th year we are also having a particular focus on recruitment at this year's open day, to highlight the many different types of roles available within the hospital,' he explained.

'˜With speakers from different departments sharing their stories and work experience we hope to encourage members of our local community to think about joining us now for a career in the NHS as well as inspire a future generation to join our family here at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust.'