£10,000 donation to Dorset County Hospital Transforms Stroke Unit

A £10,000 donation from the Former Dorchester Social Stroke Club to Dorset County Hospital Charity has helped transform the Stroke Unit at Dorset County Hospital (DCH).

The donation has funded new artwork featuring iconic Dorset landscapes and landmarks to help bring the local area into the Unit to create a familiar and welcoming environment, which could help aid recovery for patients.

The Arts in Hospital team worked with local artists including Anna Crennell, who created the mural in the day room, with stroke patients in mind. The images feature recognisable locations across Dorset, offering patients opportunities to recall memories and connect with their local surroundings.

The remaining funds have supported the Unit’s gardening group, providing equipment and funding activities for patients.

Members of the Former Dorchester Social Stroke Club visited the Stroke Ward to see the improvements their donation had made possible. Jackie Sherfield, who founded the club, said, “This project means a great deal to our members, many of whom have personal experience of strokes or caring for someone who has had a stroke. They understood the importance of creating a welcoming space where patients could spend time away from their beds and worked incredibly hard to raise the funds to make this possible.

“We are absolutely delighted with the finished project and incredibly proud of what our members have achieved. It is wonderful to see their efforts making a real difference to patients, and we are very grateful to have been invited to see the results. Although the club has now closed, it is particularly special to know that its legacy will live on through this space, continuing to benefit patients for years to come.”

Jennifer Hodge, Stroke Unit Matron at Dorset County Hospital, said: “The artwork and furnishings on the Stroke Unit create a comfortable, familiar and welcoming environment which is beneficial to cognitive rehabilitation and recovery for our patients.

“The images of major Dorset landmarks provide a talking point for patients who recognise these places and have memories connected to them. This familiarity can be valuable during rehabilitation.”

Simon Pearson, Head of Dorset County Hospital Charity, added: “We are incredibly grateful to the Former Dorchester Social Stroke Club for their generous £10,000 donation.

“These images provide a familiar talking point for patients and may help support cognitive recovery. They also create an interesting and refreshing environment for patients, staff and families to enjoy for many years to come. It was a pleasure to welcome members of the club to thank them for what their donation has achieved. Their support is a wonderful example of how generosity from local community groups can make a real difference to patients’ experiences in our local hospital.”

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, Dorset County Hospital Charity raises funds above and beyond the NHS budget and works with its valued supporters to raise vital funds to ensure DCH is equipped to deliver the highest standards of care and wellbeing for patients, their loved ones and its staff.

Find out more about DCH Charity and how you can fundraise for our Emergency and Critical Care Appeal or a ward or department close to your heart at: www.dchcharity.org.uk.