TRUSTEES of the Friends of Wimborne Hospital have worked with Dorset HealthCare to buy an acre of land next to the hospital.

The purchase, fully funded by the Friends, means it will be possible to expand the hospital in future to help meet changing health needs.

The land previously accommodated Wimborne Town Football Club and comprises a levelled, fenced site between Victoria Hospital and a nearby new housing development.

In addition, Dorset Council has granted planning permission to increase the total number of car parking spaces to 105.

This will include: cycle parking, 15 spaces for the disabled and new electric vehicle charging bays, along with other environmental enhancements.

Pressure on parking availability for staff and patients will be eased, and provision made for when future additional services are provided at the hospital. Access will be provided through the hospital’s main entrance.

Chris Lawrence, Dorset HealthCare’s director for estates and facilities, said: “We are delighted the Friends have secured this extra land, which gives us the option to expand the range of services available at the Victoria Hospital and create new facilities as required.

“Healthcare is constantly evolving, and this additional space will give us more flexibility to meet local needs in the years to come.”

Anne Salter, chair of the Friends of Victoria Hospital, Wimborne, added: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure the land for the future of the hospital.

“This has only been made possible by the generosity of local people who value the ease of access and the quality of care provided at Wimborne Hospital.”