Dorset HealthCare is responsible for all mental health services and many physical health services in Dorset, delivering both hospital and community-based care. We are the biggest provider of healthcare in Dorset, and our services continually evolve and develop to meet the needs of the local community.

We serve a population of nearly 800,000 people and employ around 7,000 staff, covering a wide range of expertise and specialisms. Our staff provide healthcare at over 300 sites, ranging from village halls and GP surgeries to mental health inpatient hospitals and community hospitals - as well as in people's homes.

Dorset HealthCare's services include:

• Dorset's 12 community hospitals and minor injuries units
• adult and children's community health services (physical and mental)
• specialist learning disability services
• community brain injury services
• integrated sexual health and HIV service.

Our community health services encompass: district nurses, health visitors, school nursing, end of life care, sexual health promotion, safeguarding children, diabetes education, audiology, speech and language therapy, dermatology, podiatry, orthopaedic services, wheelchair services, anti-coagulation services, pulmonary rehab, early discharge stroke services, Parkinsons care, community oncology and breastfeeding support services.

Our annual income is around £342 million.

We have University Trust status and work collaboratively with Bournemouth University to provide benefits for patients and staff. Our University Trust status supports us in providing innovative care, promoting clinical excellence, and attracting and retaining high-quality staff. The Trust also has active relationships with Southampton University and St Loyes.

Our shared vision is for:

Healthier lives – empowered citizens – thriving communities.

Find out more about our vision, values, how we're governed and much more.

Dear Colleague,

Thank you for your interest in this exciting opportunity to join Dorset HealthCare as our next Chief Operating Officer. ​

This is a pivotal time in the journey of our trust as we work collaboratively with health and care partners to find innovative and progressive solutions to the challenges we face. 

We are incredibly proud of our overall CQC ‘outstanding’ rating and we know we must strive for continuous improvement and work differently to achieve the best possible outcomes for our communities in future.

We continue to shape our new federation arrangements with our acute partner trust Dorset County Hospital. As part of the joint executive team, you will play a key role in leading our colleagues through this change with energy and fresh thinking.

You will bring strong operational leadership to our unitary Board and to our organisation as a whole, ensuring we deliver against the ambitions and priorities set out in our developing joint strategy and supporting plans.

As well as working effectively within our joint executive team, you will build trusted relationships with colleagues across our well-established and respected Integrated Care System Our Dorset.                                                 

You will have a clear commitment to ensuring that we develop our services with and for the people of Dorset and beyond, working with our voluntary and community sector partners and with patient and service user voice at the heart of all we do.

An outstanding leader with an in-depth  understanding of the NHS operational environment, you will quickly earn the respect of our workforce, our partners and the national health and care bodies. You will be committed to ensuring that local people and communities are at the heart of all we do.

A proactive, positive and enthusiastic attitude will stand you in good stead as you work with colleagues to navigate the complex and often challenging landscape in which all NHS organisations operate.

You will of course be working in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, with stunning landscapes, Blue Flag beaches, a rich history, vibrant culture and welcoming community both within and outside our trust – and we will support your relocation if that is required.

 Matthew Bryant, Chief Executive, Dorset Healthcare

Dorset is home to award-winning blue flag beaches, family attractions, quaint market towns and villages, cultural heritage, and the beautiful Jurassic Coast, which is a World Heritage site famous for its fossils, natural formations and stunning views.

Dorset is a sunny county – enjoying 364 hours more sunshine than the UK average. With several beaches, which are perfect for sunbathing and water sports.

There are various World famous landmarks within our region, including Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Cerne Abbas Giant.

Find out more about living Dorset.