HUNDREDS of visitors took a peek behind the scenes at Poole Hospital on Saturday.

As well as interactive CPR lessons, residents were given the opportunity to try on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear suits, explore the inside of an ambulance and ask questions of clinicians.

The aim was to give people an insight into how the hospital works on a day-to-day basis and provide information and advice on health issues that can affect anyone.

This included talks by the trust's experts on how to maintain a healthy heart, coping with dementia, childhood allergies and how major trauma injuries are dealt with.

There were tours of the pathology lab and theatres as well as the endoscopy and radiography units.

Communications officer Lucy Bookham, who helped organise the event, said all the staff at the hospital were delighted so many people chose to visit – with more than 500 believed to have shown up.

“Our tours around different departments were virtually full - many people enjoyed the health talks and the day was a success,” she said.

“We would like to thank everyone who attended the event, in particular our governors and emergency, health and social care partners such as the fire service, the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, the Borough of Poole and Healthwatch.

“Our staff were fantastic in explaining to visitors the work of the hospital and we are grateful to them for their wonderful contribution.”

The four-and-a-half hour event also featured a barbecue and cream teas alongside activities for children such as face painting.