The Friends of Victoria Hospital Wimborne are marking a major milestone after reaching ninety years of dedicated support for patients, staff and the wider east Dorset community.
The group has played a central role in improving services at the Victoria Road site, which continues to provide essential care for thousands of people each year.
Formed in 1935 to raise additional funds for the hospital, the Friends have since helped deliver significant improvements. Over the past twenty five years the group has funded around eighty per cent of the hospital’s capital build projects, investing more than £8.7 million to expand and modernise facilities.
These developments have supported a wide range of services, including operating theatres, day surgery, endoscopy, physiotherapy and advanced X-ray provision.
The Friends recently purchased the one-acre site of the former Wimborne Town FC ground next to the hospital. This acquisition will allow the construction of a larger car park due to open next year and will also support future expansion as the need for local healthcare services continues to grow.
Chair Anne Salter said the group continues to work closely with hospital teams to deliver improvements that statutory budgets cannot cover, adding that its long-standing success reflects the commitment of volunteers, donors, staff and patients working together.
To mark its anniversary, the Friends have produced a short film which highlights their continued partnership with the NHS and the positive impact this has on healthcare for local people.
Alex Lister from Dorset HealthCare said the hospital remains an important part of community-based services and that the backing of local residents and the Friends is invaluable.
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