Dorset County Hospital: site visit

Overview

In June 2025, work started to build a new £100m emergency department and critical care unit at Dorset County Hospital. Tilbury Douglas is undertaking the main construction phase of works for this state-of-the-art building for patients in need of urgent and life-saving care. The building is due to open in 2027.

Funded by the New Hospital Programme, the building will provide two floors of clinical space, including a dedicated paediatrics area, 24 critical care beds, mental health facilities and an ambulance arrivals and fast assessment area. A link corridor will connect the new building to the existing hospital and a £2million rooftop helipad is being funded by the HELP Appeal charity.

At the time of the visit, the project will be close to completion of the reinforced concrete frame, with external façade works commencing, preparations for the new rooftop helipad and the commencement of the internal fit out.

Important: Do not follow directions into the main hospital, there will be free parking available on site. 

What 3 Words: tortoises.annoys.gent

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for this visit. You must wear: 

• Hard hat
• Steel toe-capped boots
• High visibility clothing
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Full length trousers (no shorts)

Please bring your own PPE. If there are any items that you cannot supply yourself, please email us at [email protected].

Places are limited for the tour, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Programme