WORK has begun on a £3 million project to bring state-of-the-art medical facilities to Wimborne’s community hospital.

Some £2.7 million raised by the Friends of Victoria Hospital will cover 95 per cent of the costs of building a new operating theatre, treatment rooms, and administration facilities.

Fundraiser Rae Cotton said the project would not have been possible without the backing of local residents and patients.

“It’s down to the generosity of local people. There’s no other way. People have been so generous to the hospital even though there are other charities out there,” said Mrs Cotton.

The new two-storey building will be built at the rear of the hospital, on the former site of the X-ray department, and will not be visible from the road.

Plans for the first floor include an operating theatre, preparation room, and a recovery room, while the ground floor is set to be used for administration and training.

Surgeons at the busy hospital already perform nearly 40 operations a week, including general, orthopaedic, oral, and gynaecological surgery.

Matron Teresa North said the new theatre’s air purification system would reduce the risk of infection and broaden the range of orthopaedic surgery.

“The people of Wimborne have been fantastic in giving the Friends this money. It’s going to be wonderful. This is a state-of-the-art facility for a community hospital.

“The new theatre will be more spacious for staff and a nicer atmosphere for the patients,” said Mrs North.

Work on the first phase of the project is nearing completion. The new theatre is due to open in January 2011. Surgery schedules will be maintained by moving operations to the hospital’s outpatients department.

To join the Friends of Victoria Hospital, visit fvhw.org, or call 01202 889881.