West Dorset MP Chris Loder recently visited Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester for a progress update on a new emergency department and critical care unit.

The MP met with senior representatives and staff following confirmation in may that the new buildings would go ahead as part of the Department for Health and Social Care's New Hospital Programme.

Mr Loder met with chief medical officer, Professor Alastair Hutchinson, and chief nursing officer Jo Howarth, for a tour of the premises and an overview of the construction work.

At present, demolition of the old Damers First School is already underway to accommodate the new buildings.

A reserved matters planning application has also been submitted to Dorset Council, outlining the extent of the works.

The new emergency department and critical care unit, which has been designed by global multidisciplinary design practice BDP, will include a majors unit, minor injuries space, mental health facility, dedicated emergency paediatrics area, 24 critical care beds , paediatric space in critical care, ambulance offload and fast assessment area and a rooftop helipad. 

Subject to approval from planners and the government, main construction is due to begin in 2024.

Reflecting on the visit, Mr Loder said: "It is great to see that work is already underway for a new emergency department and critical care unit.

"Having met with staff and patients at Dorset County Hospital today, there is a clearly a groundswell of support for these new facilities from both staff and patients.

"I am wholly supportive of this development, and I will work closely with the hospital and the Treasury to ensure that the share of the £62 million needed to complete construction is received."