Work on DCH multi-storey car park to start within weeks
The construction's due to begin in January
Building a mulit-storey car park at Dorset County Hospital has been much-anticipated - and will be the start of what's being described as a 'major expansion of clinical facilities' there.
The work will involve some work on the hospital's main entrance, and cordoning off the existing car park, so patients and visitors can expect a bit of disruption when they arrive on site.
But we're told every effort will be made to minimise the impact of the work.
Once the new car park is completed though, that will free up space on the Dorchester site for things like expanding the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit.
Dorset County Hospital's Deputy Chief Executive Nick Johnson said:
"We are delighted to be able to get the building work under way in the New Year, marking the start of a hugely significant and exciting period in DCH's history. We would like to thank everyone who supported our planning application for the multi-storey as this scheme is the key to unlocking the future expansion of clinical services.
"Our existing Emergency Department and ICU were not built to accommodate the volume of patients we are seeing now. Our clinical teams have responded magnificently to the additional challenges coronavirus has brought, but it is now more clear than ever that we must create additional space and facilities to ensure the safety of our patients. The development of these facilities is vital to make sure we are able to continue to meet the ever increasing demand on our services and secure the future of Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester for a generation to come.
"As well as improving healthcare services for our population we are also committed to our role in benefitting the local economy. Where possible, we will work closely with our contractors to make sure local people are employed and local suppliers are used for our building programme. We are also exploring future opportunities to develop other land on our site for the provision of local key worker housing."
Construction company Willmott Dixon has been brought in to carry out the works.
You can find out more about the overall plans for the hospital site on the DCH website.