Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

09/12/2025

We were delighted to take part in the recent women in construction careers event hosted by Tilbury Douglas, the main building contractor of our new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit.

We welcomed apprentices from Coastland College - Weymouth and were joined by women working in the construction industry, including Rosie from our Strategic Estates team, who shared their experiences and gave tips and the advice about starting a career in construction.

08/12/2025

Huge congratulations to our Haematology Department for being presented with the Myeloma UK Clinical Service Excellence Programme (CSEP) award for the second time.

Staff were recognised for their work hard to engage and support local GPs. The team were praised for getting to know their patients well and doing their best to ensure patients see the same doctor at clinic appointments. They also perform procedures such as bone marrow aspirations, which can provide comfort and reassurance to the patients. The team were highlighted for their commitment to advancing the myeloma service according to the patients' needs and we're incredibly proud.

05/12/2025

Our Skills Bootcamp in Health and Social Care is underway! The four-week programme is designed to equip learners aged 19 and over with the essential skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for a successful career in the health and social care sector. It covers essential topics such as dementia care, first aid, person-centred care, mental health awareness and data confidentiality. At the end of the programme, the participants will receive a certificate and are guaranteed an interview with a local health and social care employer. DSTPN

04/12/2025

We are very excited to have launched a new fundraising initiative to bring the joy of reading to children and young people during their hospital stay.

Recognising that children and young people often have limited recreational activities as outpatients or visitors, Operation Jackanory aims to introduce the enjoyment of reading and books as a source of comfort and engagement and enhance patient experience.

The project has been brought to life by our Library and Transition to Adult Services teams in collaboration with Dorset Youth and Winstone’s Independent Bookshops.

Our team will be in Damers Restaurant today until 2pm if you would like to find out more about this wonderful project. More information is also available our website - find the link in the comments below. 📖💙

03/12/2025

A big thank you to the six wonderful women from Marnhull in Sturminster Newton for organising a very successful and memorable Filipino-themed charity dinner event, in aid of the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust. More than 80 people attended and enjoyed an evening of sumptuous, delicious and authentic Filipino dishes. A fantastic £1,600 was raised for the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust and we are incredibly grateful!

02/12/2025

Our Allied Health Professions are looking at ways in which we can support members of our community to live healthier lives - and this includes the Healthy Choices Quiz!

The NHS' free quiz gives guidance, based on your answers, to help you live a healthier life. Find the link in the comments below.

The Healthy Choices Quiz aims to empower adults to take control of their health by making small changes day to day. Taking around 5 minutes to complete, the quiz asks a series of
questions about your lifestyle.

https://www.nhs.uk/hcquiz

01/12/2025

Please help us to protect our patients and staff from highly contagious illnesses. It is extremely important that anyone who is feeling unwell or has been experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting be clear of any symptoms for at least 48 hours before visiting.

More information is available on our website. Find the link in the comments below.

30/11/2025

You might have spotted some new additions to our Sensory Courtyard Garden. Dobbies Garden Centres kindly donated plants and their staff have been on site doing some gardening for us. The criblock walls have been planted up with alpines and a selection of bulbs and shrubs planted throughout the garden will flower throughout the year and add colour to the space, including Elijah Blue grass which has been planted to mimic the flow of water along the stone dry riverbed. The local Dorchester Men's Shed have also built planters for the space, including a wheelchair accessible raised bed, and more plants will be added over the coming months.

The garden is by Special Dentistry (North Wing) and it is hoped that the space will provide a chance for patients, staff and visitors to connect with nature in a calm environment. 🌱

29/11/2025

If you need urgent medical help but you are not sure where to go, use 111 to get assessed and directed to the right place for you.​ Call, go online or use the NHS App.

28/11/2025

We recently held our yearly Gully’s Remembrance Service at Coastland College - Kingston Maurward. The service was facilitated by Michelle, a local celebrant, and supported by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra who played lovely music throughout the service. It provided a beautiful setting for our bereaved families to reflect and remember their loved ones.

Gifts for the children and parents were kindly donated by Sophie's Legacy and the staff at Kingston Maurward provided a delicious buffet lunch.

A big thank you to the staff who gave up their time to organise and oversee the day.

27/11/2025

If you are visiting Dorset County Hospital on Saturday morning (29 November), please be aware that we will have a crane on site in the area by the pencils sculpture between 8am and 1pm. This is to allow for a new air handling unit to be lifted into place above the link corridor between South and East Wings.

Some parking and drop-off spaces in the area will be temporarily closed off but staff will be on site to help control traffic and divert vehicles and pedestrians during the lifting stages.

Thank you in advance for your patience.

26/11/2025

Our Education Team recently welcomed students from Wey Valley Academy to our hospital to give them an insight into the NHS. In partnership with JonEggingTrust, the Blue Skies Programme builds aspirations, self-belief and resilience and inspires young people to challenge themselves and make informed career choices. The students took part in quizzes, spent time in simulation areas and engaged in teamwork exercises. We hope they found the day useful and engaging!