PRESS RELEASE

Date of release: Approved by: Issued by: Reference: 27 FEBRUARY 2014 JOHN COWDALL, CHAIR SIMON RIGG; simon.rigg@mbht.nhs.uk 14/01/042

TRUST SERVICES SHOWCASED AT PUBLIC ROADSHOWS

Services from across the areas hospitals including the catering services which are currently being featured on national television - will be showcased at special public events being held across the region in March. Organised by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, the free events which are open to the public in town centre locations - will also feature hearing screening tests and a resuscitation (CPR) challenge. There will also be a demonstration of the Trust IT systems, stands and stalls as well as the opportunity to meet some of the people in charge of your local hospitals. The first event is being held at Forum 28 in Barrow in Furness on Wednesday 5 March between 10am and 2pm, and all members of the public are invited to attend. Two further roadshows will be held on Tuesday 11 March at Lancaster Town Hall and on Tuesday 18 March at Kendal Town Hall all between 10am and 2pm. Featured at the events will be the hospital catering services which feature this week on James Martins BBC1 show Operation Hospital Food. In addition the audiology stand will feature the opportunity for members of the public to have a free hearing screen by our very own hearing professionals. It will also feature up to date information about the types of help available if someone suffers from hearing problems, and information about the service, with staff available on hand to answer any specific queries, examine ears and even check over your hearing aid. The UHMB CPR Challenge will challenge members of the public to perform two minutes of CPR on our special manikins. The quality of CPR will be assessed using the latest technology and a score will be awarded.

The resuscitation officers will be on hand to teach the correct way to manage the victim of a collapse or cardiac arrest and potentially save a life. There will also be a recruitment stand where members of the public can find out about careers in the NHS. NHS Careers are not just limited to medicine or nursing, but cover dozens of different job roles, with a variety of entrance requirements. Information on these and how to apply will be on hand. Information stands will include nursing, outpatients, midwifery, pressure ulcer reduction, organ donation, Breast Screening and Bowel Screening. There will also be a membership stand, where people can apply to become a member of the Trust and be kept informed on how to comment any future developments, a volunteer stand and charity stall. Senior clinical and managerial staff will also be on hand during the day. John Cowdall, Chair of the Trust, said: We hope as many people as possible will come along on the day to find out information about the services they are interested in. Members of the public will be able to speak first hand to our doctors, nurses, midwives and health professionals about the changes that have taken place locally, as well as finding out more about the services on offer. If we cannot answer their queries on the day we will ensure they receive an answer afterwards. We also hope people will enjoy taking part in the challenge, or take up the offer of the hearing screen. Please come along and get involved in your local hospital. ENDS Notes to editors: 1. For further information, please contact the communications team on 01539 716675 or by email as indicated above.