Emma Williams, Dorset HealthCare’s head of integrated services (East), said, “Like a number of our other community hospitals, the Victoria Hospital in Wimborne has been caring for patients with COVID-19. Its Minor Injuries Unit and x-ray department have continued running, by pre-booked appointments only. However, following national NHS guidance, we have had to temporarily stop other outpatient services.

“There is no longer an inpatient ward at St Leonards Hospital and, like Wimborne, all outpatient activities were temporarily halted due to the pandemic restrictions. However, as of this week, we have started to run echo cardiology services there for patients who would normally receive services at Wimborne.”

She added that temporary arrangements have been put in place for the rheumatology service, which include using Christchurch Hospital for support and to record patients’ results.

For details of how the pandemic has affected Dorset HealthCare services including mental health, community services and those for children and young people log onto https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/coronavirus-1/changestodorsethealthcareservices