About the Trusts
Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides acute hospital services for more than 300,000 people across west, mid and north Dorset.
Based in Dorchester, the Trust delivers emergency, planned and specialist care, including maternity, paediatrics, critical care, surgery and outpatient services. Around 3,500 staff work across the main hospital site, community hospitals and outpatient centres, providing care at some of the most important moments in people’s lives.
The Trust is rated Good by the Care Quality Commission and is investing significantly in modernising its emergency department and critical care facilities. Alongside this, there is a strong focus on improving patient flow, experience and outcomes.
Through the federation, Dorset County Hospital is strengthening how acute care connects with community and mental health services – supporting safer discharge and recovery closer to home.
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust provides community, physical and mental health services to more than 830,000 people across Dorset and beyond.
With around 7,000 staff delivering care from over 300 locations, the Trust supports people of all ages – often in their homes, schools and local communities. It is Dorset’s main provider of NHS mental health services, alongside a wide range of community physical health services.
Dorset HealthCare is rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission and has been selected as a national pilot to apply to be an Advanced Foundation Trust, recognising its strong leadership, culture and capacity to innovate. The Trust continues to invest in modern facilities and community-based models of care that support prevention, independence and recovery.