Visitors joined us from communities across South Manchester for our Annual Open Day and Annual Members' Meeting, which is our opportunity to open our doors to the community we serve, and showcase the work we do across all teams and directorates.

It was a tremendous success with almost 2,000 people visiting us over the course of the day. There were more than 50 stands highlighting the work done by our colleagues across all disciplines, and many others from the groups we are proud to be associated with throughout our community.

Our open-air market and visits by the local Fire Brigade and Army were well supported, and free rides and ice cream were a clear winner with the children.

Particularly popular were the three tours - to Radiology, the North West Heart Centre and the Clinical Sciences Building - and the official opening by Miss Manchester, Nicola McConnell (pictured above with myself and Chairman Felicity Goodey) was so relevant as she will be joining us next year as a trainee doctor.

On behalf of the Chairman and myself can we thank all those people - especially our Governors - who worked so hard to make it happen.

Julian Hartley, Chief Executive