Dorset County Hospital (DCH) has opened a new Chemotherapy Outreach Service in Bridport.

The service, based at Bridport Community Hospital, will allow patients in the town and surrounding area to receive chemotherapy and other cancer treatments closer to home.

The clinic is open two days a week and is supported by Fortuneswell Cancer Trust and Dorset HealthCare, which runs Bridport Hospital.

Abigail Orchard, Lead Cancer Nurse at Dorset County Hospital, said: "We're delighted to be able to launch this new community-based service for those receiving cancer treatment. The benefits for patients are huge in terms of not having to travel as far, saving on fuel costs and receiving treatment in their local area. A big thank you to Fortuneswell Cancer Trust for helping to fund the service and to Dorset HealthCare for allowing us to use space at Bridport Community Hospital. We hope that this service will make a difference to our patients in and around Bridport."

Siobhan Baxter, Facilities Area Manager for Dorset HealthCare, added: "We had a space that suited Dorset County Hospital's needs so were more than happy to help by hosting the Chemotherapy Outreach Service at Bridport Hospital. Being able to receive treatment closer to home will make such a difference to patients and their families."

Jackie Duffin, from West Bay, has received treatment from the unit. She said: "I've found it much easier to come here for treatment. Everyone makes you feel so welcome, I can't speak highly enough of the staff and service here."

Jackie Duffin has received treatement from the unit. Credit: Dorset County Hospital/NHS.

The new service is part of a longer-term plan by Dorset County Hospital to provide more opportunities or patients to receive their cancer treatment closer to where they live, as opposed to having to travel to Dorchester or other parts of the county. This is part of the NHS's ambition to provide care closer to home.