Absolutely fabulous Open Day 2014

17 June 2014

This year's Open Day on Saturday 14 June had a very special guest, Joanna Lumley, who helped bring in crowds of more than 2,000 people on the day.

This year's Open Day on Saturday 14 June had a very special guest, Joanna Lumley, who helped bring in crowds of more than 2,000 people on the day.

The Open Day, the seventh annual event held at the main hospital site, provides an opportunity for local people to visit the hospital, hear more about services and meet with staff who deliver healthcare to patients every day. This year’s event also celebrated the hospital’s 21st birthday.

The theme of this year’s event was ‘Keeping you well’. We will be offering advice to visitors on how they can keep themselves healthy and therefore out of hospital. We provided health MOTs where visitors can get a quick and easy check-up and advice on how to lead a healthy lifestyle, with everything from help to stop smoking to tips on eating well.

One of the most popular parts of the day is the Teddy Bear Hospital where children can bring their favourite toy in for a health check-up from our team of Junior Doctors. Many fun and educational activities for children and families were enjoyed in the new children’s outpatients setting on the first floor.

Joanna Lumley said: “I am delighted to be invited to attend Open Day to support Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on its 21st birthday. The NHS is a vital service, and I wanted to have the opportunity to recognise the wonderful staff who care for our communities 24/7. I shall be seeing plans for the £10m redevelopment of the A&E department, visiting the new paediatric outpatients department and the hospital school. Open Day really does highlight the diversity of care available through our cherished NHS.”

Joanna enjoyed a tour of many of the information stands and was interviewed by Hospital Radio so that patients unable to leave their wards on Open Day could have some direct contact with her.

Our charities also had their own stands where they showcased information about their latest fundraising activities to support the hospital. A particular focus was the Chelsea and Westminster Health Charity’s Emergency Department appeal to raise £600,000 to help the hospital transform the environment for patients, for families and for staff.

Tony Bell, Chief Executive, said: “We had more 60 stands on the day manned by members of staff, many of whom came in on their day off to talk through the work their teams do at the hospital and provide advice to local people about how they can help themselves lead healthier lives which is more preferable than them needing a hospital visit. I am always overwhelmed by the efforts individuals make to attend Open Day and showcase the excellent care they provide to their patients on a daily basis.”

Our Foundation Trust Governors, who kindly sponsor the annual event, were on hand to speak about the work they do representing patients and our local community. If you are interested in becoming more involved and finding out more about Chelsea and Westminster Hospital you can sign up to become a Foundation Trust member.

Photo highlights


Joanna Lumley cuts the cake at the Open Day marking Chelsea and Westminster Hospital's 21st year


Joanna with a Chelsea Pensioner and a dog sculpture she designed for mental health charity 'Sane'


A&E redevelopment stand


Joanna with her bouquet


Joanna arrives at Hospital Radio


The Hospital Radio team following Joanna's interview


Research & Development stand


Joanna shows her support for the Bourne Charity Walk


Mini health MOT


Teddy Bear Hospital


Two young guests who visited our Open Day facepainter