The annual Armed Forces Day Celebrations were held in the Dorchester Borough Gardens on Saturday 7th July 2018. Listen to our recording of the live broadcast featuring the Civic Service and musical entertainment. Commentary by Jim Davis. Listen to the recording here

After an overwhelmingly high response to our organ donation artwork brief by over 100 artists, we are delighted to have awarded the commission to Andy Kirkby, a Dorchester -based sculptor whose portfolio includes many exciting sculpture trails and projects across Dorset and beyond.

Arts in Hospital has been working closely with The Organ Donation Team to rejuvenate a courtyard with a striking new artwork that celebrates the gift of organ donation and sparks significant conversations about subject. Andy has come up with a sensitive but impressive design using a venerable Dorset oak tree and a Japanese tradition of the loving repair of broken ceramics. (more…)

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Dorset County Hospital has been chosen as one of just four hospitals in the UK to take part in the trial of an innovative new surgical procedure for patients with osteoarthritis of the thumb joint.

DCH places a strong emphasis on getting involved in research opportunities for the benefit of patients.

The GRIP 2 clinical study will evaluate the effectiveness of a synthetic cartilage implant for the treatment of thumb joint osteoarthritis pain.

Thumb arthritis is the second most common form of osteoarthritis affecting the upper limb. Also called basal joint arthritis, thumb arthritis occurs when the cushioning cartilage wears away from the adjoining ends of the bones that form the first joint.

The traditional surgical procedure involves taking out a bone from the joint. The new procedure involves inserting an implant to resurface the joint instead. The Cartiva implant is a hydrated polymer that is designed to mimic the properties of natural cartilage.

DCH consultant orthopaedic surgeon Tim Crook, who will be performing the groundbreaking procedure, said: “This trial offers patients with pain at the base of their thumb the option of a more conservative and anatomical operation. This innovative new procedure preserves bone and maintains strength in the thumb.

“It is hoped that the natural joint structure can be restored in order to relieve pain and provide normal function and a faster return to normal activity.”

Suitable patients are now being sought to take part in the trial. Anyone interested in finding out more should contact the DCH Research and Innovation Team on 01305 253356. You can also find out more at www.gripstudy.com

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Dorset County Hospital is in the top 15 trusts in the country according to the results of the latest national inpatient survey.

The results have been published as nursing staff gear up to celebrate International Nurses’ Day on 12 May 2018, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

The annual survey asks inpatients about all aspects of their stay in hospital, from admission to leaving.

DCH scored significantly better than the national average in 15 areas, with positive feedback about nursing staff particularly strong. Three out of the five questions about nursing scored significantly better than the national average.

DCH nurses were praised for giving clear answers to questions, inspiring confidence and trust, and not talking in front of patients as if they weren’t there.

There were also high scores for the cleanliness of wards, hospital food and patients being treated with dignity and respect.

DCH’s Director of Nursing and Quality Nicky Lucey said: “We are really pleased with the survey results, which reflect the amazing care our nursing teams and staff throughout the hospital provide every day.

“As always, we never get complacent and we will be looking at any areas for improvement highlighted by the survey results and taking swift action.

“Nurses’ Day is a great opportunity to take some time to reflect on what it means to be a nurse today and how it has changed as a profession over the years. Our nursing staff work incredibly hard in a challenging environment and I’m immensely proud of what they achieve in order to provide the very best service possible to our patients.”