York people have the chance to get the "inside story" about how the day unit at their local hospital does keyhole surgery.

One of the insights on offer at the special open event is how an endoscope camera works, when a tiny camera is used to examine the internal workings of a subject - whether it be a patient or, in this case, a red pepper.

More than 18,000 operations a year are performed at York District Hospital's day unit, often procedures which would previously have required a lengthy stay on a ward to recover.

The open day, between 10am and 3pm on Saturday, September 18, is intended to show the general public what it means to have day surgery.

Visitors will get the chance to see inside the operating theatre, watch displays using surgical equipment, get useful advice on healthy living and learn about aromatherapy.

Day unit manager Dorothy Murphy said the event was aimed at the local public and the hospital's own staff.

She said: "Day surgery is now considered the best option for more than 60 per cent of all patients undergoing elective surgical procedures.

"Advances in surgical procedures and anaesthesia drugs now means we are able to treat patients on a day case basis, when previously the same procedure would have meant a three to four day stay in hospital.

"Our own research tells us that patients much prefer this.

"Our open day is not just about helping to allay fears about surgery, but also a family day out which is educational and fun. The chance to see how the endoscope camera works, for example, is very exciting. Watching the TV monitor as the tiny camera explores inside objects is a rare opportunity and one which we hope the people of York will take up."

With so many people being treated in the unit each year it was an excellent chance for the local public to see how it worked and to make suggestions for improvements, she added.

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