MEMBERS of the public will have the chance to catch a ‘behind-the-scenes’ glimpse of Oxford’s Warneford Hospital next month as part of the annual Oxford Open Doors.

The hospital has been open since 1826 and visitors will have the opportunity to wander through the halls of the 19th Century buildings, on the front lawn and down through the Warneford Meadow.

Oxford Open Doors is run by the Oxford Preservation Trust and Oxford University allowing the public to see some of Oxford’s many historic and unusual locations.

The east Oxford hospital is run by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Chief executive at Oxford Health, Stuart Bell, said: “I hope everyone takes this opportunity to visit the beautiful grounds of the Warneford Hospital to interact with our services, and find out about how we can support their mental and physical health and celebrate the progression and achievements that have been made since the NHS was founded back in 1948.

“Hospitals like the Warneford were traditionally built to be isolated from the community to act as a retreat for patients, but with the advancement in community care and development of new treatments it is important for us to raise awareness about the work we do.”

It will also see the launch of Oxford Health's first ever 'Healthfest' which will showcase art made by patients, and offer a variety of health and wellbeing stalls with activities, music and talks from local organisations.

The free event will take place on Saturday, September 8, between 1pm and 5pm (no booking necessary).