Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed the commencement of a significant redevelopment project at its Dorchester site, backed by approximately £100 million in funding from the Government’s New Hospital Programme.
The investment will deliver a new, purpose-built Emergency Department (ED) and a state-of-the-art Critical Care Unit (CrCU), alongside associated infrastructure improvements.
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed the commencement of a significant redevelopment project at its Dorchester site
Serving a population of around 300,000 across West Dorset, the Trust has experienced sustained and increasing demand for urgent and emergency services.
The current Emergency Department is treating twice the number of patients it was originally designed to accommodate, a situation expected to intensify with ongoing population growth, new housing developments, rising tourist numbers, and the long-term healthcare impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Construction progress
Main construction works are now underway, with careful phasing planned to ensure that vital emergency services remain uninterrupted during the build programme.
The Trust has implemented new wayfinding and access routes to manage patient and public movements while the redevelopment progresses safely.
Backed by approximately £100 million in funding from the Government’s New Hospital Programme
This major infrastructure project marks a pivotal step in modernising emergency and critical care services for West Dorset and forms part of the national commitment to upgrading NHS hospital facilities across England.
Modern, fit-for-purpose emergency care facilities
The new Emergency Department will be constructed on part of the site previously occupied by Damers School, which is scheduled for demolition to facilitate the project.
The new building will be directly connected to the existing hospital via a link corridor.
Designed to improve patient flow and operational efficiency, the expanded Emergency Department will feature dedicated areas for major and minor cases, paediatrics, and a bespoke mental health facility.
The development includes plans to increase ambulance parking bays
A new ambulance offload and rapid assessment area will further support timely, safe patient care.
A reconfigured entrance from Damers Road will provide improved public access to the department, alongside additional short-stay parking.
Ambulance services will also benefit from a separate, dedicated access route, reducing site congestion and ensuring seamless emergency vehicle operations.
This major infrastructure project marks a pivotal step in modernising emergency and critical care services for West Dorset
The development includes plans to increase ambulance parking bays and introduce a new waiting area and drop-off point.
The hospital’s existing Emergency Department will remain operational throughout construction, with services transferring to the new facility upon completion.
The vacated department will subsequently be repurposed.
Expanded critical care provision
Recognising the increasing demand for high-dependency care, the hospital’s critical care provision will more than double in capacity through this investment.
The new 24-bed Critical Care Unit, including a dedicated paediatric space, will be located directly above the new Emergency Department, providing a modern, integrated environment for the care of seriously ill patients.
The redevelopment also encompasses the relocation of the hospital’s helipad
As with the Emergency Department, the current Critical Care Unit will continue operating throughout the build, with services transitioning into the new facility once it becomes operational.
Additional site enhancements
The redevelopment also encompasses the relocation of the hospital’s helipad, which will move to the rooftop of the new facility, funded by the HELP Appeal Charity.
In the interim, helicopter landings have been temporarily relocated to the Army Reserve Centre site on Poundbury Road.
Enabling works have already seen adjustments to access arrangements for the public, with a new entrance from Damers Road and enhanced vehicle flow measures designed to support emergency vehicle access and alleviate site congestion.
Alongside government funding, the Dorset County Hospital Charity has launched a £2.5 million appeal to provide enhanced patient and staff wellbeing facilities within the new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit.
Top image: New Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit at Dorset County Hospital