GREAT Western Hospital was invaded by children yesterday as they found out exactly what their mums and dads get up to when they leave the house.

The GWH held its first Bring Your Children To Work Day, and played host to more than 50 children aged four to 17.

The children spent time with their parents to see exactly what they do for work, whether it be as a radiographer or an administration assistant.

They were also taken on a tour of the hospital and shown in to an operating theatre before they took part in a number of activities, including designing their own hospital, looking at X-rays and testing the cleanliness of their hands.

Oonagh Fitzgerald, the director of workforce and education, brought her children, Aran 10 and five-year-old daughter Ciara along for the day.

She said: “We are very proud of the work of the hospital and of the NHS and we want to share that with our children.

“They see us going to work every day and this is a great opportunity for them to see exactly what we do.

“As well as the activities they got to come into our own work environment and they have been given information packs to take home should they wish to have their own careers in the NHS. You never know we could have some doctors of the future here.”

Oonagh’s son Aran said: “I enjoyed looking in the theatre the best because we got to see where the operations are done.”

Radiographer Jackie Francis said she enjoyed showing her eight-year-old son Jacob what she does for a living.

“I think the children have really enjoyed the day, there has been a lot going on, and from my point of view, it has been nice to show them what I do,” she said.

Jacob said: “Mum’s job looked quite fun but I don’t know if I would like to do it – when I grow up I think I would like to be a doctor.

“I have enjoyed looking through the microscopes the best, I have never done it before.”

Lisa Hocking from the infection control team showed children the ATP monitors which they use to keep surfaces and equipment clean.

She said: “My six-year-old son Kyle has had a fabulous day.

“It has been brilliant seeing the children and showing them what to do.”