Dorset County Hospital's refurbishment is coming on well, with the team now using two new clinical areas.

Two new areas are now in use, offering bigger cubicles, more space and new medical equipment. Work is still underway and is being carried out in stages to minimise disruption and make sure the emergency department remains open 24/7.

The trust received one-off funding from NHS England of £15 million as part of a drive to upgrade several emergency departments across the country.

The scheme aims to enhance infection prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of 'corridor care' by increasing the capacity of the resuscitation and treatment areas.

Dorset County Hospital is working on plans to expand over the next five years, which include building a new emergency department and critical care unit on site. The refurbishment work that is underway will help provide additional space in the coming months and pave the way for the new building.

The works, carried out by Willmott Dixon Construction, include two extensions - one in the courtyard at the rear of the emergency department and one at the front entrance - as well as refurbishment of the existing emergency department. It will provide a new entrance and waiting area, larger resuscitation rooms, bigger cubicles and many other improvements.

Dr Steve Meek, emergency department clinical lead, said: "Every year our emergency department sees more than double the number of people it was built for, so we are excited about the developments that are happening on site over the coming months and in the next few years.

"It's great to be able to start to use some of our new clinical space. It will give us some much-needed extra room and better facilities to care for our patients.

"Construction work is ongoing but patient care, safety and seeing people in a timely manner remain our top priorities.

"I'd like to thank patients and staff for bearing with us while these improvements are made."

The refurbishment is due to be completed this summer.

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