Latest news
‘Triangle of Care’ provides more recognition and support for mental health carers
A new scheme to strengthen the role of carers in looking after people with mental health problems has been introduced across Dorset. Dorset HealthCare has signed up to the Triangle of Care approach, which aims to improve communication between health professionals, service users and their carers – sharing knowledge to help make the right decisions and aid recovery.
Dorset leads the way for patient experience in mental health
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Dorset HealthCare as one of the best in the country for positive feedback received from mental health patients.
Inspirational Dorset teens share their experiences in moving health and wellbeing podcasts
A new series of podcasts which delve into emotional and physical health problems faced by young people in Dorset have been launched online across the UK.
‘Carer’s passport’ gives extra support to hospital patients in Dorset
Carers can now spend more time alongside loved ones in Dorset’s community hospitals, thanks to a new scheme on the wards. Dorset HealthCare is introducing a ‘carer’s passport’ system, giving people hospital access outside of regular visiting hours and providing vital extra support to patients as and when they need it.
Dissociative Identity Disorder Training for Service Users and Carers
Dorset’s Leg Ulcer Service celebrates 20 years of care
With its large population of older people, Dorset has one of the highest incidences of leg ulcers in the UK – and yet just 20 years ago, it didn’t have a specialist service to tackle the problem. Today, thanks to the passion and commitment of NHS Specialist Nurse Val Reynolds, the picture is very different. Dorset HealthCare runs leg ulcer clinics across the county, with a current weekly caseload of more than 200 people.
The gloves are off as Frank Bruno backs award-winning mental health initiative
An innovative mental health scheme which uses boxing to help transform people’s lives has been praised by one of the sport’s biggest names. Former world heavyweight champion Frank Bruno MBE gave his backing to the Fight Back Mental Health project, run by Dorset HealthCare staff with the support of Weymouth Boxing Club.
"A very positive step forward” – Dorset HealthCare’s response to the Clinical Services Review decisions
The NHS Dorset CCG Governing Body has approved the recommendations on the Clinical Services Review and Mental Health Acute Care Pathway Review.
AFC Bournemouth and Dorset HealthCare join forces to give young Cherries fan new lease of life
A young AFC Bournemouth fan is the talk of his friends after becoming the first person to be fitted with hearing aids branded with the team’s crest and colours. It’s all thanks to a novel idea from the Audiology Team at Dorset HealthCare, with support from the Premier League club and London-based hearing aid manufacturer Starkey.
Four-legged Lofty spreads a little happiness at Blandford Hospital
Rarely can you walk the corridors of a hospital ward and be greeted by a 34-inch horse - but this is exactly what staff and patients at Blandford Hospital have been experiencing.
We’re in! Sports stars help showcase Dragons’ Den healthcare project
A new initiative which encourages Dorset HealthCare staff to pitch innovative ideas for improving patient care has netted the support of two famous local footballers. Former goalscoring AFC Bournemouth keeper Jimmy Glass and current Cherries ace Tyrone Mings attended a garden party at St Ann’s Hospital, in Poole, to unveil the fruits of its Space for Growth project.
Children and young people at the forefront as Dorset HealthCare introduces new ChatHealth initiative
Children and young people 11-19 across the county can now seek confidential advice and support on a range of health and wellbeing issues affecting them at the touch of a button. It is all thanks to a new text messaging service called ChatHealth, which has been launched by Dorset HealthCare, and gives young people in school year 7 and above the opportunity to send questions via SMS directly from their mobile phone to the ChatHealth School Nursing Team.
TV psychologist headlines local healthcare celebration day
Prof. Tanya Byron, respected child psychologist and co-host of BBC-TV’ s The House of the Tiny Tearaways, will be the keynote speaker at Dorset HealthCare’s Annual Members’ Meeting next month.
Pebble Lodge becomes national centre of excellence for children and adolescent mental health services
Dorset is now home to one of the leading inpatient mental health services for young people in the country, with similar organisations far and wide turning to us to help improve their standards of care.
Top NHS doctor hails Dorset’s “inspirational” approach to health care
The Medical Director for the NHS in England has heaped praise on staff working across health services in Dorset – and urged other NHS organisations to follow their example of joined-up working to achieve better patient care.
Dorset receives over £100m capital funding boost for health and care improvements
Dorset has been awarded over £100m of capital funding by NHS England, which will enable it to invest in proposed major improvements to health and care services across the county.
Crufts star brings joy to patients at Shaftesbury Hospital
A loveable dog who took centre stage at the most prestigious dog show in the world is putting smiles on the faces of patients with life limiting illnesses at Shaftesbury’s Westminster Memorial Hospital.
'Safewards' initiative at mental health unit gets the Scandinavian thumbs up
A revolutionary new project at a Weymouth mental health unit has helped to create a ‘feel good’ atmosphere and reduce conflict between staff and patients. The Linden Unit, run by Dorset HealthCare at Westhaven Hospital, has become the first ward at the Trust to introduce ‘Safewards’ complete set of interventions designed to make the facility a safer place and boost morale.
Dorset's healthcare heroes are honoured at awards ceremony
Outstanding staff and volunteers who go the extra mile to help patients have been honoured at a local healthcare ‘Oscars’ event. The Dorset HealthCare 2016 Heroes Awards celebrated the efforts of workers in services and locations across the county, who have made a real difference over the past year.
Fresh approach has made health workers safer at Dorset HealthCare
The number of recorded assaults across Dorset HealthCare has more than halved over the past four years – the biggest reduction at any NHS organisation in the country.