Works our underway to improve Dorset County Hospital's (DCH) emergency department.

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

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

DCH is using the money to refurbish its emergency department in preparation for longer-term plans to expand and transform both the emergency department and intensive care unit.

Nick Johnson, deputy chief executive at DCH, said: "It's an exciting time for us at Dorset County Hospital as we move forward with plans to develop our site over the next five years.

"This refurbishment will allow us to improve the emergency department now, making a huge difference to our patients, relative and staff while we continue to develop longer-term plans for the site.

"It will help increase capacity to meet the current demand and give every patient the care and support they need, as well as provide staff with a better place to work, enabling them to continue to provide outstanding care to those who need it."

The building alterations, carried out by Willmott Dixon Construction, include two extensions - one in the courtyard of 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: "We are proud to be onsite at Dorset County Hospital to deliver these vital facilities.

"We are working closely with Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to ensure the refurbishments, while being delivered in a live environment, allows the hospital's emergency department to remain fully operational."

The refurbishment work has been planned in a way that minimises disruption, making sure that the emergency department remains open 24/7 and is expected to be completed in summer 2022.

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