Harefield Hospital Theatre and Cath Lab Open Day welcomes more than 300 visitors

More than 300 patients, staff, local residents and supporters flocked to this year’s Theatre and Cath Lab Open Day at Harefield Hospital for a behind-the-scenes look at the specialist care delivered every day by the hospital’s expert teams.

Visitors were invited to explore the hospital's operating theatres and cardiac catheter laboratories, where Harefield’s clinical teams showcased the innovative technology, procedures and skills involved in caring for patients with complex heart and lung conditions.

Teams from across the hospital came together to deliver interactive education stations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, helping visitors to better understand the specialist services provided at Harefield.

Visitors were able to try surgical stitching, handle precision-made surgical tools and even try their hand with clinical robots set up to mirror some of the procedures undertaken by the hospital’s world-renowned doctors.

The event was supported by colleagues from a wide range of departments, who helped to coordinate demos, organise equipment and staffing, welcome visitors, collect feedback, provide photography and videography support, and ensure the day ran safely and smoothly.

The open day also celebrated the collaboration that underpins patient care, with clinical and non-clinical staff working together to showcase the expertise found across the hospital.

Clair Mullins, theatre manager at Harefield Hospital, said "We were so fortunate to have such an abundance of patients coming through today. One of our patients, has had their lung transplant two years ago now. And he and his wife came along today because they wanted to truly understand what they actually went through throughout their journey, because they really only know one side of the story.

“It was a fantastic event and only possible because of the incredible support from colleagues across the hospital. People left here today knowing a lot more about what we do.”

Sumesh Thiruthalil, cath labs manager at Harefield Hospital, said: “It was an incredible day for members of the public and patients and families. And again, for me, it was it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our teamwork and show how multidisciplinary we are and how closely we work together.”

Patients, members of the public and local stakeholders were among those attending, with visitors able to learn more about the life-changing work carried out at Harefield Hospital.

Tommy Balaam, Councillor for Harefield Village, also attended the event. He said: “Harefield Hospital is such an important part of our village, and it was brilliant to see first-hand the skill, dedication and teamwork behind the care delivered there every day.

"The open day gave local people a rare chance to step behind the scenes, meet the teams and even try some of the activities for themselves. A huge thank you to everyone who gave their time to make the day such a success.”

Visitors praised the knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment of staff, while gaining a greater understanding of the specialist treatments and care available.

The event underlined Harefield Hospital’s commitment to engaging with its local community, inspiring future healthcare professionals and showcasing the exceptional work delivered by teams across the organisation every day.