Fortuneswell Unit
Fortuneswell Chemotherapy Unit is located in North Wing Level 2, just before Damers Restaurant.
The unit was originally opened in 1994, mainly treating patients with blood disorders. Patients with other cancers such as breast, bowel and lung cancer were at that time treated at Poole Hospital in the Cancer Centre. It was recognised that there was a need for patients to be treated in their local hospital. The cancer services have developed over 10 years to provide chemotherapy treatment at Dorset County Hospital.
The unit is supported by two haematologists who care for patients with blood disorders. They are based within the unit seeing patients both in clinic and on the inpatient wards. The oncologists, who specialise in treating patients with ‘solid cancers’ such as breast, bowel and lung etc, are based at Poole Cancer Centre, holding clinics at Dorchester.
The nurses working within the Chemotherapy Unit have a specific interest in the care of patients living with cancer. All have completed educational programmes to enhance clinical practice with regards to this and chemotherapy administration. Education of staff on all aspects of patient care is of high priority to ensure safe, competent practice.
The Chemotherapy Unit has two charities supporting the ever-changing needs. The workload is ever increasing and therefore there is demand to update facilities and renew equipment. Many patients choose to donate to the unit in order that others can benefit. This is either done through the hospital’s charity or the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust who also organise fund raising events on the unit’s behalf.
In 2025 the unit underwent a £2million refurbishment that has provided the Trust with vastly improved facilities for cancer patients.
The layout has been reconfigured to provide more space for patients and an outdoor courtyard area that offers a calming escape from the clinical environment.
Contact us
The unit is open from 9am until 5pm daily. You can contact the unit on 01305 254359.