AN OPEN day is being held to give people the chance to explore Airedale Hospital's new endoscopy unit.

And the event, on Saturday, October 18, will also offer an opportunity to visit the operating theatres and follow a patient's journey from anaesthesia to surgery.

Children will be able to don gowns and masks and get hands-on with the endoscopy equipment, using a mannequin to learn how to look into the stomach, bowel, lungs and bladder.

Staff will be available to talk about careers in endoscopy, there will be information stands about the bowel cancer screening programmes and Crohn’s and Colitis UK, and the hospital's diabetes and infection control team will use a 'magic box' to demonstrate hand hygiene.

Other attractions will include face painting and a children's tombola, and Keighley Cougars mascot Freddie Cougar will be present.

The open day – from 11am to 4pm – was originally scheduled for this Saturday (Sept 13), but has been rearranged due to theatre commitments.

Julie Blackburn, sister on the endoscopy unit, said: “We are really looking forward to this year’s open day. In previous years it has been a great day out for families and we have received fantastic feedback.

“There will be all sorts of activities available for children to get stuck into."