REFURBISHMENT work to improve and increase the range of services at a hospital has begun. 

Blandford Hospital has been awarded £2.9m by NHS England and the Department of Health to upgrade its facilities and relocate services currently at the Blandford Clinic in nearby Salisbury Street. 

Over the course of the year, the hospital, run by Dorset HealthCare, will see building work to enable midwifery and health visitors, school nursing and school immunisations, paediatrics, podiatry and mental health services. 

Throughout the refurbishment, existing hospital services and clinics will run as usual but there will be slight disruption on-site, including reduced car parking and redirection signs in place. 

Anyone travelling by car to the hospital should allow more time to find a parking space on-site or in nearby roads.  

Staff can be approached with any difficulties. 

Work will last until the end of the year, focussing on improving patient experience by upgrading existing clinical areas, offices, reception areas, the public entrance and dedicated waiting areas. 

New consultation rooms will also be created, along with extra utility spaces and storerooms. 

Helen Lawes, Dorset HealthCare’s locality manager for north Dorset, said: “We’re delighted to be consolidating our services to one site in Blandford to create a modern community care hub for the area. 

“It’s an exciting time for the hospital, with NHS England committing to significant investment in the future of Blandford and surrounding area.  

“This investment will bring huge benefits for patients and our staff.”