THE Great Western Hospital swung open its doors to show how it operates.

Visitors were intrigued by displays of medical instruments, plastic embryos and bug control policies during an open day on Saturday.

People also had the opportunity to tour the operating theatres - normally a no-go zone for visitors.

Visitor Jackie Fraley from Upper Stratton said: "I was particularly impressed by the theatre tour, by the sheer size of it.

"The staff who showed us around were very well-informed," said the 51-year-old.

"I think the more well informed you are, the less frightened you will be of coming into hospital.

"The staff are very competent people who put my mind at ease."

More than 45 stalls assembled in the hospital's academy where staff explained what they do best.

An amputation saw, a double action bone cutter and extraction forceps were some of the instruments on show.

Nathan Hall, associate director at Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust, said: "This is a chance for people to come here and find out what goes on in the hospital.

"Patients rarely get the chance to see the operating theatre as they are normally sedated while there.

"A huge amount goes on that people don't see.

"Our staff are proud of what we do in the hospital.

"This is about local people feeling part of the hospital.

"It is a family day as well, which is great."

Dieticians, cancer nurses, cardiology ward staff and midwives were also on hand to answer questions.

Infection Control nurse Heather Bennett answered queries about MRSA.

She used an ultra-violet light box to demonstrate how critical it is to wash hands thoroughly.

"Hand washing is the most important way that you can reduce the spread of infection in hospital," she said.

Six embryo models were also on show to demonstrate the stages of pregnancy.

Head of Midwifery Christina Rattigan said: "We've seen an increase in the number of babies from 3,360 in 2004 to 3,785 in 2006.

"Everybody in the maternity ward is working extremely hard."

Amanda Curtis from Pinehurst checked out the embryo display with her nine-year-old son James.

"I've been teaching him what he looked like in my tummy," said the 37-year-old.

"I've found the open day very interesting to find out what happens in hospital."

Age Concern, the Highways Agency, Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Air Ambulance also attended the open day.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance administrator Lesley Duncan said: "We want to raise awareness because people see the helicopter in the air but don't realise we are a charity."

Some people indulged in an Indian head massage at the open day while others browsed the bric-a-brac stalls.

Children were entertained with colouring, guess the number of jelly babies in a jar, lucky dip and face painting.