Patients who are unexpectedly admitted to hospital with no belongings will now receive a helping hand to 'make life a little easier'.

The charity Friends of Dorset County Hospital (DCH) has donated comfort bags full of essential toiletries for patients who have been admitted to the Emergency Department and need to be transferred to a ward.

Annette Kent, Vice-Chair of the Friends of Dorset County Hospital, said: “If you’re admitted to the hospital unexpectedly, you will not have all those key items that help provide a little bit of comfort. We hope that these bags make life a little easier for patients and their families during what is often a very stressful time.”

Items include: 

  • Toothpaste and toothbrush
  • Deodorant
  • Wash cloth
  • Tissues
  • Wipes
  • Comb/hairbrush
  • Shower gel
  • Shaving kit
  • Pen

Sam Warren, Assistant Service Manager in the Emergency Department, said: “We are very grateful to the Friends of DCH for their kind donation. It can be scary being admitted to a hospital and not having any belongings with you. These comfort bags will make a big difference to patients and reassure their loved ones that the essentials will be provided.”

The Friends of Dorset County Hospital raises money to help provide comfort and help to patients, their relatives and friends.

Annette added: “The charity has initially donated 50 bags and we have another 50 ready to restock. We are planning to continue to provide more of these in the future, which makes our fundraising work even more important.”

If you would like to support the Friends of DCH, you can donate online. You can also email friends@dchft.nhs.uk or call 01305 255896.