COUNCIL buildings could be transformed into additional hospital space, as bosses at Dorset County Hospital desperately seek ways to reduce waiting times for patients.

As reported, waiting times at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) increased dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic, with recent figures showing that the hospital trust regularly breached a key cancer waiting time target over a period of more than two years.

Last month, hospital bosses begged people not to visit unless they were in a life-threatening situation, as admission rates for Covid patients almost doubled in a week.

New figures have also revealed more than 11,000 women were not up-to-date with breast screening in Dorset in the year leading up to the pandemic.

In a bid to reduce waiting times and help clear the backlog of patients needing care, bosses at DCH have revealed that they are looking into using public assets in the county to help increase the hospital's capacity.

One of the buildings that is being considered for hospital use is South Walks House in Dorchester, which was formerly Dorset Council's headquarters. In August, the council voted to convert the building into 41 flats, however councillors said a final decision on the building's future will not be made until later in the year.

A decision on whether South Walks House, or any public assets, will be transformed into hospital buildings is yet to be reached.

Dorset Echo: South Walks House, DorchesterSouth Walks House, Dorchester

Nick Johnson, director of strategy, transformation and partnerships at DCH, said: "Unfortunately, Covid-19 has impacted on our hospital waiting times so some patients are having to wait longer for appointments. We are exploring all our options to see how we might increase our capacity and reduce waiting times.

"DCH is committed to maximising the positive social value impact we have on our local communities, so we're talking with our partners in the wider Dorset health and care system to see what public assets are available, including South Walks House, and how we might be able to use them.

"No final decisions have been made and we will be engaging with staff, patients and partners as plans progress."

Councillor Tony Ferrari, portfolio holder for economic growth, assets and property at Dorset Council, said: "We've had many conversations with colleagues in the NHS throughout the pandemic about various ways in which the council may be able to help.

"This is one of the issues that has been raised with us, but nothing has been agreed.

"Where we can help we will, and we continue to hold discussions on an ongoing basis."