4th December 2023
Ever wondered what life is like inside an operating theatre, without having to go under the knife?
That is the experience that many people got to explore at the weekend as the Southern Health and Social Care Trust opened its theatre doors in South Tyrone Hospital. The staff from the Day Surgery Unit in Craigavon Area Hospital and South Tyrone theatres/Endoscopy amalgamated in the Dungannon hospital for the Open Day.
They accompanied those interested in working in this field – from 16 year-old students to those with 16 years nursing experience – around the theatres where they got to hear first-hand from health professionals in these roles and have a go at practical activities like undertaking simulations of cataract surgery or a colonoscopy.
Throughout the day, the Trust showcased all the different specialties that are performed in the department in South Tyrone and Craigavon Area Hospital’s Day Procedure and Day Surgery Units, including Endoscopy, Bowel Cancer Screening, Cataract surgery, Orthopaedic surgery, Airway Management, Interventional Radiology and Recovery.
Maura McCarthy, Ward Manager at South Tyrone Hospital, said:
“This was a great opportunity for us in South Tyrone to join with the Day Surgery Unit in Craigavon and showcase all the work that we do.
“It was an incredible success and we were delighted to receive some really positive feedback from those who attended. It was great to hear that they really enjoyed the hands-on experience and seeing the wide range of surgery we perform on a weekly basis.
“I feel very proud of the team and how well they were able to show all the work that we do in theatres,” added Maura.
The Trust are planning a third theatre open day, which will take place in Craigavon Area Hospital in the New Year.
