Yeatman Hospital in Sherborne has officially opened a newly refurbished reception area and upgraded clinic rooms, thanks to significant funding support from its dedicated charitable Friends group. The Friends of the Yeatman Hospital provided a substantial £170,000 investment to enhance the experience of visitors, patients, and staff at the site, which is managed by Dorset HealthCare.
A Welcoming and Enhanced Environment
The comprehensive improvements include a more welcoming and spruced-up new reception area, alongside fully refurbished clinic areas. A key addition is the newly dedicated John Stokoe Room, designed for groups to gather and access services, as well as a dedicated wellbeing room where individuals can take time out to relax and reflect in a peaceful setting.
Artistic Contributions and Community Celebration
Striking new artwork now adorns the reception and clinic spaces, created by the Salisbury Art Team. Local artist Leslie Self has received particular praise for her significant contributions to the aesthetic enhancement of the hospital environment.
Representatives from the Friends attended the official opening ceremony, alongside West Dorset MP Ed Morello, Dorset HealthCare’s chief nursing officer and deputy chief executive Dawn Dawson, the Trust’s locality manager Helen Lawes, and other esteemed community representatives.
Official Statements of Gratitude
Dawn Dawson, deputy chief executive of Dorset HealthCare, stated: “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital for their unwavering support, and for helping ensure the hospital remains the best possible place for both patients and staff, right here in the community.”
Jo Mears, chair of the Friends of the Yeatman Hospital, added: “I am extremely proud of the Friends’ on-going support and the transformation of these vital patient and staff spaces. The transformation has been truly remarkable.”
Minimal Disruption During Upgrades
Throughout the refurbishment period, hospital staff demonstrated remarkable dedication by continuing to deliver essential care services while operating from a temporary location during the colder winter months. This careful planning ensured minimal disruption to the wide range of services provided at the hospital.
Comprehensive Healthcare Services
The Yeatman Hospital delivers an extensive array of medical services to the local community, including rehabilitation programmes, end-of-life care, and various outpatient clinics. These clinics cover specialities such as orthopaedics, urology, ophthalmology, audiology, and physiotherapy, making it a vital healthcare hub for residents in and around Sherborne.
