After a long fight, the chemotherapy clinic at Wareham community hospital in Dorset, is to be reinstated in the new year 2027, much to the relief of health campaigners.
The shock closure of the service by University Hospitals Dorset in August 2023, left more than 60 cancer patients living in Purbeck facing longer journeys to Poole hospital to receive vital treatment.
Wareham’s town crier Jacquie Hall welcomes everyone to the Friends of Wareham Hospital AGM
Vulnerable patients faced exhausting journeys
Following the retirement of the advanced nurse practitioner at the Wareham clinic, University Hospitals Dorset, which runs Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch hospitals, decided not to replace her and thought amalgamating the service at Poole hospital would suffice.
However it triggered a campaign by South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton, Purbeck GPs, health campaigner Debby Monkhouse, and the Friends Groups of Swanage and Wareham hospitals, who thought the decision left some of the area’s most vulnerable patients facing exhausting journeys.
Plenty of refreshments at the Friends of Wareham Hospital AGM at the Wareham Town Hall
“Our good news is that the clinic is to be reinstated”
The good news was announced at the Friends of Wareham Hospital and Purbeck Community Services AGM on Saturday 26th September 2026 at Wareham Town Hall.
Chair Maggie Hardy said:
“As many know we have continued to champion the return of the much valued and appreciated chemotherapy clinic at Wareham hospital, lost a couple of years ago and very much missed.
“The service has been fortunate to have the support of the South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton who himself championed the return of the clinic in the House of Commons. I don’t ever recall hearing Wareham Hospital having that recognition before!
“Also, Purbeck is blessed to have the input of Anna Darling, clinical director for the Purbeck Primary Care Network who has unwaveringly negotiated with the Wessex Cancer Alliance and local providers to reinstate the clinic… and our good news is that the clinic is to be reinstated in the new year.”
Dementia Friendly Purbeck, who know a thing or two about fundraising, were at the Friends of Wareham Hospital AGM
Fundraising for scalp coolers
Now the Friends of Wareham Hospital is looking to support the clinic by purchasing two new scalp coolers which help protect the hair of those having chemo.
The cost is around £19,000 but currently the Friends have about £14,000 in the bank having recently supported the transfer of the community mental health team to Wareham hospital at a cost of £30k.
Unable to receive financial support from Friends of Swanage hospital, the plan is to launch an appeal for funds.
Many services have been lost at Swanage community hospital including the rheumatology follow up clinic
Friends of Swanage Hospital AGM 2026
There will be more news about local services at the Friends of Swanage Hospital AGM on Tuesday 6th October 2026 at 2.30 pm at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Victoria Avenue, Swanage.
In addition to reports from the treasurer and chair, also speaking at the event will be Alex Lister, integrated community services director of Dorset Health Care, who will give a brief talk about the future of health services in Purbeck and particularly those services provided at Swanage community hospital.
Health campaigner Debby Monkhouse (left) was at the forefront of the successful Save the Swanage Ambulance Car campaign
Petition for return of more services
A petition to restore more services to Swanage and Wareham, including outpatient clinics, minor injuries hours, and full walk-in access to the minor injuries unit at Swanage community hospital, is gathering momentum.
Initiated by health campaigner Debby Monkhouse, it now has more than 4,000 signatures.
Once it has reached 5,000 signatures, with the support of local Dorset councillors, it will be presented to Dorset Council and the NHS integrated care board, and the issues will be discussed at a Dorset Council meeting.
Further information
- More about Friends of Swanage Hospital
- More about Friends of Wareham Hospital and Purbeck Community Services on Facebook
- Sign the Restore Swanage and Wareham NHS Services petition
