THE Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins, visited Dorset County Hospital on a fact-finding mission yesterday (Monday, 20 May).

First port of call for the minister was a visit to Dorset HealthCare's Westminster Memorial Hospital in Shaftesbury, before moving on to Dorchester.

At the County Hospital's new Outpatient Assessment Centre at South Walks House that opened in February she saw a treatment suite, diagnostic facilities and clinic rooms.

Then she visited the construction site of the hospital's new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit which is due to open in 2027.

Ms Atkins said: "It was great to visit Dorset to see for myself the fantastic health care facilities that are available to patients across the county, as well as those in the pipeline.

"This included the construction site for the brand-new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit for Dorset County Hospital, which will help ensure we are meeting the needs of the NHS in the future.

"I also had the opportunity to meet fantastic members of staff, who go above and beyond for their patients every day, helping to make access to care faster, simpler and fairer for all."

Matthew Bryant, Chief Executive of Dorset HealthCare and Dorset County Hospital, said: "It was a real pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State and to showcase the great work being done in Dorset.

"I was extremely proud to be alongside colleagues highlighting the many ways in which we are making a difference for patients by working in partnership across mental and physical health and with primary care and members of our community.

"We are doing innovative work which is making a real difference for patients and colleagues and it was great to have the opportunity to showcase some of this with partners and patients and talk about the challenges we are facing."

Secretary of State, Victoria Atkins MP, chats to staff, including DCH and DHC Chief Executive Matthew Bryant (centre), at South Walks House in Dorchester