The Dorset County Show has donated £10,000 to support the development of a new emergency and critical care unit in Dorset’s County Hospital.

In October last year, the hospital trust received planning approval to build a new multi-million-pound Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit.

Plans were submitted to Dorset Council to meet the growing patient demand as annually, over 50,000 people are treated in the current unit.  The hospital was originally built for just 22,000 attendees.

The Dorset County Hospital Charity subsequently launched a £2.5M Capital Appeal to raise funds for enhanced facilities as well as artistically designed elements to help create a sympathetic and healing environment in both units.

READ MORE: Dorset County Show to raise money for hospital

Nicki Ralph, chair of the show in 2023, said “This cause is close to my heart, but it could be close to anyone’s. Many individuals across Dorset will be affected by this life-saving service, we all hope us, nor our loved ones will ever need the Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit, but when we do, we are forever grateful”. 

South West Farmer: Artist’s impression of the new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit at DCH Artist’s impression of the new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit at DCH (Image: DCH)

The new Emergency Department (ED) and Critical Care Unit (CrCU) will be built on the site of the former Damers First School which was demolished last summer to prepare the site for development.

Simon Pearson, head of charity at Dorset County Hospital said “We’d like to express our sincere thanks to James, Nicki, the rest of the Dorset County Show and everyone involved in helping to achieve such a fantastic result for the Appeal.

“This donation will be ringfenced to support the provision of relatives’ overnight accommodation on the Critical Care Unit and will make a huge difference to the experience of families visiting loved ones in the hospital.”