Visitors will be able to learn more about Ipswich Hospital’s vision for the future and see some of its innovative equipment in action during an open day.

‘One Big Saturday’ is being held at the Heath Road site on May 27 between 11am and 3pm.

There will be a chance to see the hospital’s ‘Writing the next Chapter’ strategy, which is its plan for the next five years produced with feedback from people across Ipswich and east Suffolk.

Attendees will also be able to tour parts of the hospital, including the simulation suite where staff will tackle various medical scenarios using a high-tech life-like mannequin which can speak, breath and blink.

Children will be given the opportunity to try their hand at bandaging and making slings; One Life Suffolk will be offering health checks; the Ipswich Hospital choir will perform; and visitors will be able to find out more about working for the hospital and the training opportunities it offers.

“We hope that as many people as possible will join us for our One Big Saturday event, which is a fantastic chance to see behind the scenes at your local hospital,” said Clare Edmondson, director of human resources at Ipswich Hospital. “As well as finding out about how we work every day, visitors will also get the chance to meet some our hard-working staff and hear more about their roles and the care they provide.

“We have designed the day to showcase the hospital as the heart of a healthy community and will be working with our partners to promote the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, which can help people to stay well and maintain their independence.

“We will also be talking about just how rewarding a career in healthcare can be, as well as answering any questions from anyone who is interested in joining our team.”

Nurse consultant Tracey Wakeling will use the day to promote a new Ipswich Hospital campaign, which is urging people to stay hydrated this summer.

The initiative is encouraging everyone to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day, unless a doctor has advised them otherwise.

Families and carers are being asked to make sure older people have enough to drink, as dehydration can cause a range of potentially serious problems leading to hospital admissions in later life, including urine infections, kidney stones, pressure sores and confusion. Lack of water can also lead to older people suffering falls and injuring themselves.

Ms Wakeling, who is leading the campaign, said: “Drinking enough water is vitally important and plays a big role in helping people to stay healthy. However, some people lose the thirst sensation as they get older, which means they don’t realise they are becoming dehydrated and are risking a range of potentially very serious health problems.

“We would urge families and carers to help make sure the people in their care are getting enough water by taking simple steps such as making them a flask of cold water or squash so that they can top up their levels during the day.”

Parking is free and people should first report to Outpatient Department Entrance 6, where they can pick up a full programme of events and a hospital map.