Dorset County Hospital Charity is delighted to announce that the new £2 million refurbished Fortuneswell Chemotherapy Unit has been officially opened at Dorset County Hospital on 23rd October 2025 by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset Professor Michael Dooley LVO.
The Chemotherapy Appeal was launched in 2019 with a target of target of £850,000 which was successfully achieved thanks to the generosity of hundreds of donors and fundraisers and significant donations. Funds from the Appeal contributed towards the complete redesign and refurbishment of the hospital’s existing Chemotherapy unit to create an improved experience for patients, their families and friends and build on the strong legacy of Dorset County Hospital cancer care.
Thanks to supporters
Alongside funding from the Dorset County Hospital Foundation Trust, significant donations were received from local charitable bodies including Fortuneswell Cancer Trust ,The Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Charitable Foundation, and The Dorset Health Trust. Funds were also received through hundreds of local donors and supporters, clubs and community organisations, companies, school and members of DCH staff, raising money through fundraising events and personal challenges.
The new facilities
Patients undergoing chemotherapy on the Fortuneswell Unit will now receive their treatment in a vastly improved area with new facilities and the provision of space for friends and family to sit with patients receiving treatment. There is also a new outdoor courtyard area to provide a calming space away from the clinical environment.
The unit also features artwork by local artist Bethan Venn. Commissioned by the Arts in Hospital team, Bethan custom designed prints that feature within the unit. Inspired by nature, plants in the courtyard and the four seasons, the aim is to bring the outside in for patients on the unit.
New re-designed unit includes:
- A refreshed and patient-friendly environment with artistic designs, providing outstanding service provision
- Dedicated treatment suite, utilising the former waiting area (conservatory space).
- Increased space around each of the treatment chairs for family/carers to sit with the patient.
- Reconfiguration of clinical treatment spaces and rooms for reviewing urgent cases.
- En-suite provision for patients having treatment.
- Facilities for staff to have confidential clinical conversations.
- Replacement of worn furniture and fittings.
- Upgraded and additional ICT capability across the Unit.
- Redesigned courtyard garden
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Chemotherapy Appeal, your donation and support will help Dorset County Hospital to deliver outstanding cancer care for patients from the West, North and South of Dorset requiring chemotherapy treatment.
