Friends of Dorset County Hospital

The Friends of Dorset County Hospital was founded in 1956 to provide comfort and help to patients and their relatives at the old Dorset County Hospital.

Today’s modern hospital is very different, but the Friends still do what there were set up to do. Alongside the ward trolley service, the Friends also manage, donations, legacies and fundraising activities. With the income from these sources they are able to provide equipment and facilities that are not always available through NHS funding.

Comfort bags

Most recently, the Friends have been providing free comfort bags to patients who are unexpectedly admitted to hospital.

The initiative launched in May 2023 and the charity have now donated more than 1,000 comfort bags to patients.

The bags are filled with essential toiletries to help provide a little extra comfort at an often stressful time. The bags include items such as toothpaste, deodorant, tissues, hairbrush, shower gel, lip balm, moisturiser and sanitary products.

This initiative has also been expanded to support families in the Special Care Baby Unit.

A group of hospital staff and volunteers standing outside an Emergency Department. They are standing in front of an ambulance and a red sign that reads 'Emergency Department Reception'. Everyone is smiling at the camera and holding a small bag.

Joining the Friends

If you would like to volunteer with the Friends, please call 01305 255896 or email friends@dchft.nhs.uk

You can keep up-to-date with all their latest news on the Friends’ Facebook page.