The skies cleared and the tables came out. The band started up, the coaches arrived and people milled all over the lawns on what proved to be a highly successful and memorable day for the hospital.
There was a huge variety of entertainment, starting at 10.30 with ballroom dancing; one little lad being just 4 years old, demonstrating skills in the arena. A full programme continued throughout the day - there was masses to watch, listen and join in with. As usual there was a huge variety of stalls – we couldn’t quite match that of the county show but for ease of access and free entertainment, the Benenden Hospital Summer Fayre would have been hard to beat.
Winston the Singing Farmer, as his name suggests, had us in hoots. The grounds department was open, giving horticultural advice, selling plants and with a wonderful display depicting their history. They also had on view some of the older farm and work equipment that has been used on the site.
Refreshments in the marquee were enjoyed at lunchtime following which visitors dozed in the deck chairs listening to the Cranbrook Town Band. During the afternoon there were dogs herding ducks and a continuation of other styles of dancing, wonderful display of birds of prey, classic cars, games and children’s entertainment.
Dressed in nurses’ uniforms from the past century and led by matron and the clinical services manager, staff took parties into the theatre complex where visitors saw how this area has changed in the past year with the new modular theatre build. They were shown the recovery unit and theatre staff explained how the laminar flow and digital equipment has helped the working environment. They then visited the new procedures room which takes patients requiring surgery under local anaesthetic. Highlighting the research that is undertaken at the hospital, Consultant Gynaecologist Mr Mohamed Hefni demonstrated laparoscopic procedure on a dummy, and much to the delight of some, visitors were invited to ‘have a go’ to discover quite how complex a job of work our surgeons do.
Visitors were also taken around the imaging depart, curious to discover what some of the interesting xrays were of – pieces of fruit and other objects rather different from the norm. They were shown how the ultrasound equipment works and an update on the different options available to patients.
It was an excellent day, a spectacular finale with hundreds of balloons released into the air from the balloon race. An Open Day that we will remember as one that stands out in our history. Another great mark to mark 100 years.