SPORTING stars will be helping to bring Ipswich healthcare under the spotlight next month.The changing faces of healthcare in the area are being highlighted in a special health day.

SPORTING stars will be helping to bring Ipswich healthcare under the spotlight next month.

The changing faces of healthcare in the area are being highlighted in a special health day.

Held in the Galleria at Ipswich Town Football club there will be a whole host of ways to show people how to get fit and healthy – and more importantly stay that way.

Stress levels can be tested and head massage will be available along with other complimentary therapies such as aromatherapy.

And it is not just the adults who are being targeted by the health day, children too are being encouraged to get involved with an art competition called A Picture of Health.

But the day, dubbed Come Alive, is not only about encouraging people to get fit.

It is also there to show people how healthcare is changing in the area and give them the chance on seeing how the partnerships in the area work together.

The day is being organised by Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust and Ipswich Primary Care Trust.

Christine Smart, chairman of Ipswich Hospital said: "We want to encourage our communities to know more about how major investment is giving us a marvellous opportunity to radically change the way we provide services so that we can truly put the patient at the centre of all we do."

It is hoped that the day, which will include live music, will give people a picture of how health services are changing.

There will also be an action arena with advice desks and more information about how to get involved with the NHS in the area.

Other voluntary, charity and community organisations who work together with the NHS will also be there.

The day takes place on 12 September between 9am and 4pm.

n. Pictures win prizes and youngsters aged between six and 18 can enter the Picture of Health competition.

All they have to do is draw the picture of something they think of when they hear the word 'health.'

Food, sports, walking or even doctors and nurses might be inspiration.

Pictures with name, address and age should be sent to Art Works, the Chairman's Office, Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, Heath Road, Ipswich IP4 5PD.

The pictures will be judged in three age groups: under six years, from six to ten years and 11 to 18 years.

They will then be put on display and judged at the Health Day on September 12.