New ventilators donated to Dorset County Hospital will make a 'real difference', a consultant says.

The three specialised transport ventilators have come from the Friends of Dorset County Hospital following receipt of a major £125,000 legacy earlier this year.

The Dorchester hospital's new equipment will be used in the Critical Care Unit (CrCU) and will provide the latest in high-quality critical care ventilation from new-born babies to adults of all ages.

Their robustness and portability means the equipment can be used in a variety of vehicles including ambulances and helicopters, ensuring the safety of patients being moved around the hospital and during transfer to other hospitals.

One of the ventilators is a special MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) version which is designed to operate within an MRI Suite whilst a patient is being scanned.

Ian Mew, CrCU consultant at DCH said: “These new ventilators will provide us with the ability to ensure our patients receive the same quality of ventilation care during transportation as they do on our wards.

"We are very grateful to the Friends of DCH for choosing to support our CrCU department through the legacy they received. This equipment will make a real difference to our most vulnerable patients when they need it most.”

The Friends’ donation has also funded a versatile Rehab bike for the CrCU which can provide patients in a wheelchair or bed with a wide range of physical therapy exercises to aid their recovery.

Sharon Merritt, Friends of Dorset County Hospital Manager said: “We are delighted to be able to provide this essential support for one of our most critical teams. The equipment will be available for use immediately but will also be a major benefit in the upgraded CrCU facility which is currently being planned at Dorset County Hospital.”

She added that despite the Friends of DCH shop closing in the hospital on September 30, the charity will carry on and would appreciate the on-going support of the public with any future events.

All events are publicised on the Friends of DCH Facebook page. There will also be pop-up shops in the hospital selling Christmas Cards and novelty knitted items.

Sharon said: "Thank you for all your support particularly during this difficult time. The Friends are committed to providing ongoing support to patients, friends and relatives of the hospital. We can still be contacted by email on friends@dchft.nhs.uk.”

For further information on how to support all parts of Dorset County Hospital email charity@dchft.nhs.uk or visit www.dchcharity.org.uk