THE POOLE Hospital-backed cancer appeal for Dorset County Hospital has finally reached its target, with £1.75 million being raised.

The money will help cancer patients in the west of the county obtain the very best of treatment, including, for the first time in their area, radiotherapy. Previously patients had to travel to Poole which has one of the most heavily-used radiotherapy units in the country.

Oncology Consultant at Poole Hospital, Mike Bayne, who was instrumental in the wider project to bring radiotherapy services to Dorchester said: “This is a real milestone for cancer treatment in West Dorset. The incredibly generous donations have enabled the creation of a state-of-the-art cancer facility at Dorset County Hospital.”

The Robert White Centre was made possible by donations from the late millionaire Poole businessman, Robert White, local businesses and individual donors, and a final donation of £25,000 from the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust.

The Cancer Appeal has funded the construction of a Cancer and Haematology Outpatients Department which has been built on top of the new Radiotherapy Unit funded by Poole Hospital. It will provide bespoke rooms for consultations, counselling, and additional support services for all cancer patients at Dorset County Hospital.

Due to the success of the appeal, which has also been raising funds for the hospital’s chemotherapy unit, and with the ongoing support of local individuals and community organisations, a new plan is being developed which aims to deliver a ‘gold standard’ refurbishment of the chemotherapy unit, said the hospital.