WORK on a new £100 million Emergency Department (ED) and Critical Care Unit at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) has reached a major milestone.

Construction has started on the main phase of the project, funded by the New Hospital Programme, with the state-of-the-art facility due to open in 2027.

Contractor Tilbury Douglas is working on the scheme, which will feature two floors of clinical space, including a dedicated paediatrics area, 24 critical care beds, a mental health facility and an ambulance arrivals and fast assessment area.

A link corridor will connect the new building to the existing hospital in Dorchester, while a £2m rooftop helipad is being funded by the HELP Appeal charity.

Members of the national NHP team, dignitaries, and scheme supporters joined NHS Trust teams for a groundbreaking vent to mark the completion of the enabling works and start of the main construction.

Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset Michael Dooley and renowned journalist and author Kate Adie, supporters of Dorset County Hospital Charity’s Emergency and Critical Care Appeal, were among the guests.

Kate is the patron of the appeal, which is raising £2.5million for enhanced facilities in the new building, including overnight accommodation for relatives and staff.

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Matthew Bryant, DCH chief executive, said: “We are delighted that main construction of our new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit is underway. Once open, this state-of-the-art facility will make a difference for the population of Dorset and provide urgent and life-saving care to patients for many years to come.

“We’re very grateful to the New Hospital Programme for this major investment into Dorset County Hospital and for the support of our local councillors and MPs. I would also like to also thank the staff who have worked so hard to make this scheme a reality.

“We are also grateful for the support of all our supporters of the DCH Charity’s Emergency and Critical Care Appeal, which will make the facilities even better for patients, families and staff. They are well on the way to meeting their £2.5million target, but I encourage people to keep stepping forward to support our local hospital and make a difference for the future.

“We’re excited to see the new building begin to take shape and are grateful for our partnership with Tilbury Douglas. This is a major investment in Dorset’s economy, and we are taking every opportunity to develop career pathways for local people and support local businesses as part of the build.”

Paul Mustow, senior responsible owner of the New Hospital Programme, said: “Reaching this milestone at Dorset County Hospital is a proud moment for everyone involved. It represents a major step forward in delivering a facility that will make a real difference to patients, families, and NHS staff across the county.”

And Gordon Stirling, strategic director – health at Tilbury Douglas, added: “Commencing main construction marks a pivotal moment not only in the delivery of this landmark project, but also in our shared commitment to improving urgent and critical care for the people of Dorset and the surrounding areas. This milestone reflects the strength of our collaboration with Dorset County Hospital and the New Hospital Programme.”

For more information on the DCH Charity’s appeal visit dchcharity.org.uk.