West Dorset’s MP Chris Loder has welcomed landmark news confirming that Dorset County Hospital will receive a new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit. The announcement was made by the Department of Health and Social Care today as part of its New Hospital Programme, which is expected to be backed by over £20 billion of investment in hospital infrastructure.
A new Emergency Department will increase total capacity from 64 to 72 beds from 2025, while the new Critical Care Unit will have space for 24 beds. The new builds at Dorset County Hospital will be constructed on part of the site of the former Damers school building. Initial work is underway ahead of the main construction, and approval has already been given to demolish the West Annex at the site.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Mr Loder said: “This is a significant milestone in the history of Dorset County Hospital, and it will have wide-reaching, long-lasting benefits for patients and staff. I am pleased that the Government have recognised the value and strategic importance of our county town’s hospital, and that improvements are needed.”
Mr Loder continued: “Around 300,000 people across the west of Dorset receive emergency and planned care at the current site, but increased demand and population is putting pressure on services. Pending approval from the Government and Dorset Council, the main construction work will begin in 2024”.
