Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

17/06/2026

There is something very special about seeing a child express themselves through music. And thanks to George's Rockstars, we have Music Therapist Mary-Clare at .

Five-year-old Leo certainly enjoyed the variety of instruments and even performed a song with Mary-Clare - a very heart-warming moment.

A huge thank you to Amy from the charity for her ongoing support - music really does make a difference! 🎹 🎶

16/06/2026

How would you celebrate a milestone birthday?! For Sarah, she travelled to Weymouth Research Hub to take part in a bird flu vaccine trial.

The trial, known as Odyssey 301, is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. While the current risk of bird flu to humans remains low, scientists warn the virus continues to evolve and could adapt to spread more easily between people.

Sarah said: "Like any milestone birthday, turning 60 makes you pause and think about wider issues. Because I work in agriculture, I’m very aware of the importance of research into bird flu and pandemic preparedness. When I heard about this study, I felt it was important to do my bit. If taking part in research like this can contribute to future scientific understanding, then this is a birthday I’ll always remember.”

A big thank you to Sarah and all our research volunteers for their incredible support.

If you would like to find out more about the trial, or take part, please follow the link in the comments below.

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
NHS Dorset
NHS South West

15/06/2026

The British Medical Association has announced that the industrial action by resident doctors that was scheduled to take place this week (15-19 June) has been suspended.

If your appointment was postponed in preparation for the planned action, we will be in touch with you about rearranging it. All other scheduled appointments for this week are due to go ahead as planned.

Thank you for your understanding.

13/06/2026

Did you know we have now donated more than 3,000 comfort bags to patients in need? 🙌🩵

Launched by the Friends of Dorset County Hospital in 2023, the initiative supports patients who are unexpectedly admitted to hospital. The bags and are filled with essential toiletries to help provide a little extra comfort at an often stressful time and include items such as toothpaste, deodorant, tissues, hairbrush, shower gel, lip balm, moisturiser and sanitary products.

The initiative has only gone from strength to strength and has also expanded into our Special Care Baby Unit. We know the bags make a real difference to patient experience and we cannot thank the Friends of DCH enough for their ongoing support.

12/06/2026

We are absolutely delighted that our Dorchester Special Care Baby Unit has achieved UNICEF's Stage 1 Baby Friendly Initiative accreditation!

The initiative aims to raise standards of care for all babies by ensuring services and staff are equipped to provide families with evidence-based support and information that will enable them to make informed choices about feeding and caring for their baby. It also supports families who are bottle feeding by providing guidance and information on safer preparation of infant formula and responsive feeding.

In addition, the programme aims to promote close and loving relationships between parents and babies, recognising how interactions during feeding play a key role in relationship building.

A huge well done to this fantastic team! 👶❤️

11/06/2026

We are really grateful to Help & Care and Dorset Council for this initiative to support unpaid carers. Read more below. 👇

Supporting unpaid carers is key to building stronger, more resilient communities. During Carers Week, we have launched an innovative hospital discharge carers pilot designed to identify carers earlier and connect them with the right support at the right time.

Delivered in partnership with Help & Care and local health services, the pilot focuses on improving outcomes for carers and the people they support. By offering practical help before hospital admission and continued support after discharge, the initiative aims to reduce avoidable readmissions and help people return home with confidence.

This collaborative approach recognises the vital role carers play and ensures their needs are at the heart of care planning. Working together with partners across Dorset, we are helping carers feel supported, prepared and empowered in their caring role.

To find out more, go to the first comment in the chat

10/06/2026

Do you love gardening and being outdoors?! This opportunity could be for you!

We are looking for volunteers to support our Recovery Ranger Ruth, helping to improve, maintain and regenerate some of the green spaces at DCH.

As a Nature Recovery Support Volunteer, you will be involved in practical gardening tasks such as planting, seed sowing, weeding, watering and pruning, litter picking, wildlife recording and supporting with nature-based activities for patients, staff and community members - such as wellbeing walks.

Flexible shifts will be available. If you are interested, please visit our volunteer portal for more information and to apply. Find the link in the comments below. 🌱🌿

10/06/2026

Our wonderful volunteers recently enjoyed an afternoon of tea, cake and celebrations as part of . Our annual tea party was a chance for our volunteers to get together to socialise and for us to thank them for everything they do for our patients, staff and visitors.

Certificates for long service were also presented by our Chief Executive Matthew Bryant and Non-Executive Director Eiri Jones - with some of our volunteers marking over 10 years!

A truly wonderful afternoon! 💛

09/06/2026

Join us in wishing Lynne Connor a very happy retirement after an incredible 40 years in the NHS! 🎉

Lynne has worked as a Therapy Assistant and Administrator and will be sorely missed, not only for her wealth of knowledge and experience but for all her personal support and advice.

A big thank you to Lynne for everything you have done and we hope you enjoy a well-deserved retirement! 💐

08/06/2026

A huge well done and congratulations to Midwife Julie, who completed an 18-mile trek across the Lake District at the weekend in aid of Sands - baby loss charity.

Julie is passionate about supporting families who have experienced baby loss and has raised more than £300 for the charity.

You can still show your support via Julie's Just Giving page. Find the link in the comments below.