Dr Steve Meek (left), Consultant Emergency Physician in the Emergency Department, and Dr Ian Mew, Consultant in Anaesthetics and Critical Care Medicine, outside the current Emergency Department which is set for major renovations. Picture: Lex Ballantyne/Dorset County Hospital.
Published: May 24, 2023 | Updated: 12th March 2024
Dorset County Show’s Charity of the Year is very personal for its Chair, Nicki Ralph.
The county’s largest annual agricultural show has selected Dorset County Hospital Charity.
In what is set to be the largest investment in healthcare provision in West Dorset in 25 years, the hospital is planning to build a new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit on the former Damers First School site.
It will significantly improve the hospital’s capacity and is expected to transform the experience of patients and their families.
Dorset County Hospital Charity is running a £2.5 million capital appeal to fund enhancements to the planned Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit.
Nicki knows only too well how vital the critical care services at the local hospital are.
Nicki Ralph and her husband Nic enjoying a fundraising event before Nic fell ill.
Her farmer husband, Nic, was admitted last year with total kidney failure and sepsis.
He spent nearly three weeks in a coma in intensive care, 11 of those days on life support.
Nicki said: “This truly is a cause close to my heart.
“My family are indebted to the incredible support the hospital gave my husband who, without a shadow of a doubt, wouldn’t be alive today without their unstinting help.
“All the staff were amazing.
“They left no stone unturned to find out the cause of my husband’s sudden deterioration.
“It was all so sudden.
“One minute my husband was in Accident and Emergency feeling very unwell, the next he was fighting for his life.
“Many of us may end up in A&E or hospital but none of us know when we may need intensive care.”
The experience of Nicki’s family serves as a reminder of the importance of swift action and advocacy in the face of adversity. Whether it’s a sudden medical emergency or an unforeseen accident, individuals deserve answers and recourse for their suffering.
This is where a Lancaster personal injury lawyer can play a crucial role, providing personalized legal representation to those in need. By partnering with these skilled professionals, individuals can rest assured that their rights will be safeguarded, and they will have the support needed to navigate the challenges of recovery and seeking compensation for their injuries.
Simon Pearson, pictured right, Head of Charity for the hospital, said: “Nic was one of over 50,000 people treated in our Emergency Department annually.
“It was originally built for less than half of that – 22,000 attendances.
“Clearly, there is currently insufficient Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit capacity at Dorset County Hospital to meet current and future demand.
“This is our biggest-ever fundraising project.
“This appeal will raise funds for enhanced facilities and additional medical equipment, making patient care even better.
“It will also fund artistic elements in both new units to create a sympathetic and healing environment for the benefit of all.”
The Dorset County Show, which already raises thousands of pounds annually for local charities, is planning a fundraising Tractor Run on Sunday June 25.
Starting at Cheselbourne, tractors of all sizes, ages and makes will trundle to Piddletrenthide and back, offering a rural spectacle for drivers and spectators alike.
Ahead of the Dorset County Show, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 2 and 3, there will also be a Dorset-themed Charity Night on Wednesday August 30, hosted at the Dorchester Showground with music, bingo and bring-your-own food.
Dorset County Hospital Charity will have a stand at the show where visitors will be able to find out more about the hospital plans and donate to the appeal.
James Cox, pictured right, Show Organiser, said: “The experiences of our Chair Nicki and her husband have highlighted the fact that none of us know when we may need critical care.
“To have state-of-the art resources on hand at our local hospital makes us incredibly fortunate.
“We’re delighted to fundraise for this fantastic cause.”
Nic, 67. is now recovering well at home and is aiming to do some fundraising himself for the hospital once he is fully recovered.
Giant vegetables, prize cows, Dorset crafts and foods, monster trucks, axemen in action and hoe-down music are among the attractions at this year’s Dorset County Show.
Tickets are available at dorsetcountyshow.co.uk.
More information on the charity Tractor Run can be found at dorsetcountyshow.co.uk/tractorrun/
