Dorset hospital raises £1 million for new emergency departments

Dorset County Hospital has now raised £1.1m for its charity appeal. The donated funds will be used for equipment and facilities at the hospital’s new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit, which are currently under construction.

The appeal’s target is £2.5m which will provide funding above and beyond the NHS budget. This will be used to fund a new child and adolescent mental health suite, dedicated relatives’ rooms, paediatric critical care bed space and equipment at the Dorchester-based hospital.

Chair of DCH Charity, Dave Underwood, said: “We can only raise these funds with the help of our generous supporters from across the local community. The appeal will raise essential funds for additional, but very important extras to enhance patient care and improve staff wellbeing. This includes enhancing areas for staff to get much-needed rest, overnight accommodation for families, and supporting artistic elements to make the new building the best it can be, for patients, staff and visitors.”

Head of DCH Charity, Simon Pearson, said, “We are very thankful for donations from the general public and local businesses, community fundraising through challenges and events, regular giving, and gifts in Wills. This is an important milestone for the Emergency and Critical Care Appeal and we will continue to work with our supporters to help us reach our £2.5M target.”

Construction for the new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit began in Spring 2025 and will link to the existing hospital. This development will increase the Critical Care Unit bed capacity from 11 to 24. Construction of the £100M project is funded by the government’s New Hospital programme.

To donate or fundraise for the Appeal , visit www.dchcharity.org.uk, or contact DCH Charity at charity@dchft.nhs.uk or 01305 253215.