Celebrity patron signed up for Dorset County Hospital Emergency Appeal

Local resident and TV journalist Kate Adie is backing the campaign

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 24th Apr 2024

A celebrity patron's been revealed for the campaign by Dorset County Hospital's charity's Emergency and Critical Care Appeal.

TV journalist and Dorset resident Kate Adie CBE DL has been chosen as the face of the appeal.

The £2.5 million fundraising target will fund the huge redevelopment of the A&E and urgent care provision, which is currently under construction at the Dorchester hospital.

The new unit will include things like overnight accommodation for critical care patients, a garden for those using the site, staff welfare facilities and a specialist mental health suite for children and adolescents.

Kate explains why she was delighted to become the Appeal's Patron:

“Dorset County Hospital is my local hospital, it is a privilege to be involved in this appeal. Our NHS provides an exceptional service and is there for all of us when we need it. Throughout my career I’ve witnessed first-hand the extraordinary work of emergency and critical care teams around the globe.

"The opportunity to help make a difference now to these vital services for our local community is highly motivating. I encourage our community to come together in support.”

An artists' impression of what the entrance to the new Emergency Department at DCH will look like

Head of Charity, Simon Pearson said:

“We greatly appreciate Kate Adie agreeing to be our Appeal Patron and look forward to working with her to help raise awareness and support for this important appeal.”

Kate has been meeting with members of the project and clinical teams, during a recent visit to the construction site at the hospital, to learn more about the new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit.

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