Dorset County Hospital Charity calls for the 'Power of Giving'

The charity for Dorset County Hospital wants to harness the power of giving this Christmas.

This year's Christmas appeal is part of a fundraising campaign to support staff well-being during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as patient care.

It's after their COVID-19 appeal earlier this year which raised almost £130,000.

But, the charity hasn't set a goal for the festive appeal, because they say every gift counts - whether it's a small donation or a large fundraiser.

The new appeal comes as Dorset's health services cope with the pandemic, alongside other winter pressures such as seasonal flu.

Anyone in hospital this Christmas is likely to face restrictions to family visits, at a time of year when they're extremely important.

Simon Pearson, Head of DCH Charity, explains:

“Christmas is a time for caring and giving. With your support, DCH Charity’s Christmas Appeal will ensure the hospital charity can provide valuable funding to enhance patient care across Dorset County Hospital’s specialist areas such as Cancer Care, Elderly Care, Stroke, Maternity and Critical Care, whilst our hard-working NHS staff also care for Covid patients. We will also fund further initiatives to support the well-being and resilience of DCH staff.

“We know these are challenging times for us all – so please support us in whatever way you can. This could be sending a donation or organising a virtual fundraising event. Now, more than ever, your local NHS needs all our support. Through the power of giving you will be making a positive difference for patients.”

Nick Johnson, Deputy Chief Executive at Dorset County Hospital said:

“Dorset County Hospital’s dedicated NHS staff face a very challenging Winter, making sure patients in all our wards and specialist units across the hospital are looked after, whilst also caring for people who have coronavirus. Support from our community, especially at Christmas, is very much valued and will enable us to enhance the care we can provide and make a real difference to our staff and our patients.”

Simon added:

“Please give the gift of care this Christmas and help Dorset County Hospital care for all our patients, as we work together and look forward with hope to a better 2021.”

How you can donate

You may donate via www.justgiving.com/campaign/DCHChristmasAppeal2020

OR send postal donations to Dorset County Hospital Charity ‘Christmas Appeal’, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2JY.