CONSTRUCTION of Dorset County Hospital’s new emergency department and critical care unit has reached a milestone – with the installation of a new helipad.

The rooftop landing spot, which will be used by air ambulances, has been installed by contractor Tilbury Douglas, with a topping out ceremony held to mark the building reaching its highest point.

Funded by the New Hospital Programme (NHP), the £100 million building will provide two floors of clinical space, bosses saying it will “help transform the way the Trust provides emergency care”.

As well as treating more patients, the new facilities will include a dedicated area for children and young people, and space designed for people experiencing difficulties with their mental health.

The Critical Care Unit will expand from 11 to 16 beds with the potential to increase further in the future and will also include a paediatric space.

Members of the national NHP team, community partners and scheme supporters joined Trust teams to unveil the £2m rooftop helipad, courtesy of the HELP Appeal – a charity dedicated to funding NHS hospital helipads.

The new building is also being supported by Dorset County Hospital Charity’s Emergency and Critical Care Appeal, which is raising £2.5m for enhanced facilities in the new building, including overnight accommodation for relatives and staff.

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Matthew Bryant, chief executive of Dorset County Hospital, said: “This new building is the biggest change in healthcare facilities in Dorchester for a generation.

“It will transform the way in which we are able to deliver care and will help us bring together expertise in physical and mental health, as well as integrate hospital and community-based services so that they can work together to provide emergency care.

“Today marks a major milestone in the construction of these facilities. Thank you to the New Hospital Programme and the HELP Appeal for this major investment in the helipad that will make a huge difference to patients, their relatives and our staff for many years to come.

“Thank you also to all those who are supporting the Dorset County Hospital Charity’s Emergency and Critical Care Appeal.”

Minister of State for Health, Karin Smyth, said: “Patients and NHS staff in Dorset deserve modern facilities that are safe, efficient and fit for the future.

“This major milestone at Dorset County Hospital shows our New Hospital Programme delivering for local communities, with a new Emergency Department, Critical Care Unit and rooftop helipad that will help patients get faster access to life-saving care when every second counts.

“Backed by the government’s long-term investment in the NHS estate, we are rebuilding and modernising hospitals across the country, so staff have the buildings, equipment and technology they need to deliver better care for patients, closer to home.”

The new building is set to open at DCH next year. Picture: Finnbarr Webster

The new helipad is made from aluminium and was brought from the Netherlands and installed by Bayards. It measures around 284 square feet and can hold 8,600kg.

Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal, Robert Bertram, said: “Completing the construction of this state-of-the-art hospital helipad is a truly significant moment for Dorset and the whole region.

“As the only rooftop hospital helipad in the county, it will transform the way critically ill and injured patients receive emergency care.

“By enabling air ambulances to land directly at the hospital, precious minutes can be saved when every second counts, giving patients the very best chance of survival and recovery.

“We are immensely grateful to everyone who has supported the HELP Appeal. This milestone belongs to every donor and fundraiser who has helped make this life-saving project possible.”

Joint senior responsible owner of the New Hospital Programme, Paul Mustow, said: “I’m thrilled to have been able to join the topping out ceremony for Dorset County Hospital’s Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit and see the progress first hand. The installation of their rooftop helipad is a significant milestone for their New Hospital Programme scheme.

“I want to thank everyone at the Trust for all the hard work that has made this possible and look forward to continuing to work closely to deliver their scheme, so that patients and staff can benefit from these excellent modern facilities.”

And Paul Gale, regional director – south west at Tilbury Douglas, added: “Reaching this milestone is a significant moment for everyone involved in delivering this vital healthcare facility. The installation of the rooftop helipad not only marks the building reaching its highest point but also highlights the transformative impact this development will have on emergency and critical care services across Dorset.

“We are proud to be working in partnership with Dorset County Hospital, the New Hospital Programme and the wider project team to deliver a modern, resilient and patient-focused environment.

“Once complete, this facility will support clinical teams to provide faster, more efficient care and improve outcomes for patients for many years to come.”

The building is due to open in 2027 and for more information, visit dchft.nhs.uk/about-us/your-future-hospital/nhp-scheme.

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