This operation is the removal of a brain tumour from a patient who is awake; it is performed by Mr Paul Grundy of the Wessex Neurological Centre at Southampton University Hospitals. From the comfort of Wellcome Collection you will be able to watch the surgery in close detail, ask questions of the team and find out more about the science and medicine behind the operation. The surgery will be streamed live to Wellcome Collection and broadcast on Channel 4, so you will be part of the TV studio audience too.

This procedure - called an awake craniotomy - is used when the tumour is close to the parts of the brain that control movement, speech or memory. The patient is given a local anaesthetic so that they can talk to members of the team and provide feedback throughout the procedure, ensuring that vital parts of the brain are not damaged. During the evening you will witness this delicate process and the interaction of the expert medical team in this lifesaving operation.

Paul Grundy

Mr Grundy is a consultant neurosurgeon at Southampton General Hospital's Wessex Neurological Centre; he has been in post at Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust since June 2005. He is regarded as one of the country's leading neurosurgeons, having led the introduction of day-case surgery for brain tumours in the UK and the introduction of electromagnetic image-guided biopsy. Mr Grundy's achievements also include developing widespread use of awake craniotomy. His sub-specialty is neuro-oncology.

Important notice

• This event is suitable for ages 14+.

• Seating is unreserved and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Receipt of an e-ticket does not guarantee a seat. You are encouraged to arrive in good time; the temporary exhibition galleries and the café will be open throughout the day until 22.00 and the queue for admissions will open at 20.30.

• Latecomers will not be admitted.

• This event will not finish until 23.30 and due to the filming of the event visitors will be unable to leave before the end. See information on late-night transport [PDF 48KB].

Please note that parts of this event will be broadcast live on Channel 4 and that the studio audience may appear. In return for access to the event, you irrevocably consent to the filming and live streaming on Channel 4 and the Channel 4 website and you also consent to the Wellcome Trust reproducing and publishing your words in any transcript of or publication relating to this event.

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