St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin, already runs a busy programme of open days for students who may be interested in a career as a health professional. But the hospital is now opening its doors to adult learners too with the launch of an eight-week programme aimed at those with an interest in health and the healthcare system.

The course will look at how the healthcare system works in Ireland. It will also examine where St Vincent's fits into the picture and also look at its particular areas of specialisation, such as treatments for cancer, stroke and hypertension. The course is limited to 30 participants, it begins on February 6th, 2002 at 7 p.m. (and runs until 9 p.m.) and applications are welcome from all. No experience or expertise in health is required. The cost of the course is £100.

"This is the first-time a programme like this has been offered and we decided to do it in response to growing public interest in health care," says the hospital's senior administration officer, Aidan Moriarty. "We are hoping to reflect a broad range of backgrounds in the group we take and to offer plenty of opportunity for active participation." Would-be participants should write for an application form to Aidan Moriarty, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4.