IPSWICH Hospital hosted a morning of family fun where children could get plastered without the pain of injuring themselves first.

IPSWICH Hospital hosted a morning of family fun where children could get plastered without the pain of injuring themselves first.

Experts guided adults and children around the 46-acre site in Heath Road to see what goes on behind the doors of a busy hospital.

Among the activities were fun plaster casts for the young, health advice, visits to the �26million Garrett Anderson treatment centre and being able to use operating theatre instruments.

Appreciating the huge part the hospital plays in the community, staff and volunteers grabbed the opportunity to highlight the good work and dedication that goes on every day.

Saturday's open morning also provided the opportunity to explain how the hospital's drive to get Foundation status, backed by The Evening Star, will benefit the public.

Foundation status is considered important as it would give the hospital the chance for its priorities to be community-driven rather than be laid down by the Department of Health.

Mike Brookes, chairman of Ipswich Hospital, said: “It's an important day for us. It gives us an opportunity to give real meaning to contact with the public, not necessarily just the patients, to inform them about the absolutely fantastic work we do and the wonderful staff who provide health care throughout the year for them.

“I enjoy these occasions very much, walking round and meeting the public, while they feel they have learned something about the important work we do and it gives a reinforcement of our commitment to them.

“It also gives me the opportunity to thank the staff who are here today.”