A MAJOR fundraising drive to enhance emergency and critical care in Dorset has reached its halfway mark.

Dorset County Hospital Charity has raised £1.25 million towards its £2.5 million Emergency and Critical Care Appeal, supporting improvements to new facilities currently under construction at the Dorchester hospital.

The appeal will fund enhancements beyond the core NHS budget for the hospital’s new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit, part of a £100 million rebuild funded by the government’s New Hospital Programme.

Work began in spring 2025 and the project is due for completion in 2027.

Other additions will include a mobile X-ray imaging unit, a Winter Garden to support patient rehabilitation, dedicated overnight accommodation for relatives and new child and adolescent mental health facilities within the Emergency Department.

Staff rest areas and artistic design features will also be supported.

DCH critical care matron Emma Sidey said: “The new Winter Garden for Critical Care will play a crucial role in the rehabilitation of patients whose stay lasts weeks or even months.

“We will be able to make this standard of treatment the rule, not the exception.”

Head of fundraising Jodi Hibbard said the milestone reflected strong community backing.

“It is thanks to the generosity of our supporters that we have reached this important milestone for the appeal,” she said.

“Individuals, groups and local businesses who want to support us have often had their lives touched by the services DCH provides, and they want to give something back.

“This appeal is very special as fundraisers will be able to see exactly what the funds have paid for, once the new units are open.

“2026 also marks our 30th Anniversary of supporting healthcare at DCH, and we are excited for upcoming events such as Buckham Fair, which is returning this year.”

Chief medical officer Rachel Wharton added: “The new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit will significantly increase the hospital’s capacity and enable us to meet the needs of the local population both now and into the future.

“Funds raised by the DCH Charity are so important to provide the enhancements to the project which will really benefit the patient and carer experience as they use our facilities at some of the most difficult times of their lives.”

More information is available at www.dchcharity.org.uk