WEST DORSET’S main hospital will open its doors for a public open day.

The event is being held at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester on Saturday, September 21, between 2pm and 4pm.

A range of departments will be open for tours and the on-site Education Centre will host displays and activities manned by hospital staff.

There will also be the chance for free health checks and the recruitment team will be on hand to give information about job opportunities at the hospital.

Hospital governors will also be attending to tell people more about becoming a member of Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Information stands and talks in the Education Centre will feature subjects including infection control, bowel cancer screening, research, nutrition, organ donation, patient feedback, volunteers and patient safety.

Hospital chief executive Jean O’Callaghan said: “Visitors can be sure of gaining a fascinating insight into the many different departments and services which function within the hospital.”

Tours and displays will run from the hospital’s Education Centre in East Wing, via Entrance 1 Call 01305 255419 or 254683, or email foundation@dchft.nhs.uk for details.

Services combined in 1991

The Dorset County Hospital was established in 1991 as part of a long-term project to bring together all the local services for acutely ill patients on to one hospital site.

It was originally in Princes Street, but a new hospital in Williams Avenue was completed in 1997 and took the name.

It is run by the Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

The hospital provides general services, including an accident and emergency department and links with satellite units in community hospitals.

It is the main provider of acute hospital services to a population of around 210,000 living within west Dorset, Weymouth and Portland, north Dorset and Purbeck.

It also provides renal services in Dorset and South Somerset.

The trust has 3,000 staff working across the region.