Following a competitive tender, LST Projects has been appointed for the £2m refurbishment of a chemotherapy unit at Dorset County Hospital. The project will provide an improved environment for the treatment of chemotherapy patients, including space for friends and family to sit with those receiving treatment.

Now on site, LST is stripping out the space ahead of the upgrade, which will also see the unit extended into a courtyard area. All mechanical, electrical and plumbing services will be upgraded as part of the works, including new wiring, ventilation, fire alarms, nurse call systems and medical gas trunking.

Chris Taylor, Contracts Manager for LST, commented: “Logistically, the extension is very challenging because of limited access within the courtyard. We’re working closely with the Trust to ensure that after digging the foundations and carrying out demolition works, we can remove the spoil without having to go through a live hospital environment.

“We’re also putting measures in place to minimise any impact on the hospital’s pharmacy which is located within our site boundary and must remain open for the project’s duration.”

To enhance the experience for chemotherapy patients, the unit’s interior will be revamped by LST with new flooring and decoration throughout.

“Rather than featuring clinical white walls, the unit will be far more colourful,” adds Chris. “Specially designed vinyl wallpaper will make the interior more vibrant and welcoming.”

Due to be completed by April 2025, the refurbishment is LST’s second at Dorset County Hospital. The team was responsible for transforming the former Ridgeway Ward which has created a new unit for people having elective orthopaedic surgery and formally opened in August 2024.