Dorset County Hospital's new multi-storey car park is to partially-open tomorrow in an effort to help relieve parking pressures on the site.

Initially it will be open only for staff members to use, in order to test the flow of cars.

Once a barrier and payment system is up and running, expected to be in the next few weeks, it will be open to visitor and patients.

Building work on the multi-storey car park began last January with Wilmott Dixon undertaking the construction work.

The new parking facility, which is part of a £62.5m government investment to improve services at the hospital in Dorchester, will house space for 650 vehicles across its seven floors.

Art installations featuring iconic landmarks from across the area have been added to the car park's metal facades - showcasing Portland Bill, Durdle Door, and Corfe Castle.

Members of staff have previously voiced their anger about having to pay to park whilst on shift - something that will remain the case upon the opening of the new site.

As reported, charges were re-introduced in July after a Government-subsidy used to fund staff parking came to an end.

A number of staff members told the Echo that the fees were "another thing to worry about" during the cost of living crisis.

A spokesperson for the DCHFT said: “Unfortunately, given the loss of Government subsidy and the Trust’s challenging financial position we need to reinstate car parking charges, which will also help us better manage car park usage and availability.

“However, with the rising cost of living we are conscious of adding to the financial burden, so we are going to move to a progressive charging regime aligned to salary, with staff in lower paid roles paying less as part of a tiered payment system.

Until the full opening of the new multi-storey car park, the surface parking around the hospital site next to the North, South and East Wings will be designated for patients and visitors only so public users are able to park much more easily close to the main entrances.

The existing pay and display machines will remain in operation with the usual parking charges in place.