A DORSET NHS trust is running a 'Dragons' Den' style process to try and choose the best ideas for improving patient care.

A batch of 'exciting' proposals have been suggested by staff at Dorset HealthCare to improve services, with public help needed to choose the best ones.

An impressive figure of £10,000 is available to support proposals which are chosen, the NHS has said.

Staff around the trust have come up with projects spanning community and mental health services, and these have been shortlisted to a top ten.

Members of the public and fellow NHS staff are now being asked to pick their three favourites by 5pm on Friday, February 24, with the most popular going through to the final on Thursday, March 30. 

As is the case on the BBC TV show, the finalists will explain their plans in more detail and pitch for cash to make them a reality.

You can find a run down of all the entries, and vote for the ones you like best, at www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/dragons-den

The 2022 competition attracted more than 1,300 votes and along with two outright winners, a further seven projects were provided with additional development funding.

Ideas included a choir for people with life-changing conditions, and a support group for to help those with mild cognitive impairment reduce the risk of dementia

DorsetHealthcare NHS Trust chairman Andy Willis said: "All of us were incredibly impressed with the quality of the finalists last year and we were able to find the extra money to support the fabulous innovative ideas.

“We’re already seeing the positive impact these projects can have on people’s lives, so I would urge people to read through the shortlist and vote for their favourites.”