SQUEAMISH people should stay well away when York Hospital opens its operating theatre to the public.

The hospital is to give people looking to break into a career as an operating department practitioner (ODP) the chance to take a look behind the scenes.

York Hospitals NHS Trust has teamed up with the University of Huddersfield to offer the open day to potential students interested in studying for a diploma of higher education in operating department practice.

Mark Butler, senior operating department practitioner, said: "This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in a career in theatres to pay us a visit and get a taste of what it's like to work here.

"Operating theatre staff and course lecturers will be on hand to talk about the course and their work, and will answer any questions."

During the open event, which will run from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday, March 27, theatre staff, including recently qualified ODPs, and current students, will talk to visitors about their first-hand experiences.

University staff will be on-hand to discuss details about the diploma and funding available. There will also be a chance to tour a mock-up theatre and anaesthetic room, with a demonstration of equipment and surgical instruments.

During the funded, two-year diploma course, students spend 12 weeks at university and 26 weeks on clinical placements each year, including York Hospital. Once qualified, ODPs are trained to work in all aspects of theatre practice.

People wanting to book a place on the open day, or find out more information, should phone 0870 1202295 or visit www.hud.ac.uk or www.aodp.org.

Updated: 09:48 Monday, March 08, 2004