Dorset HealthCare – Who are we?

Dorset HealthCare – Who are we?

Off By Ed Hanna

At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We like to do things differently – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, a vibrant urban location, thriving seaside spot, or among the rolling hills of a stunning rural setting, there are many ways you can make a difference in our local communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team. You’ll challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion, and expertise in all we do.

Why Dorset HealthCare?
Innovation and fresh thinking are in our DNA:

  • We were the first mental health NHS trust in the southwest to be rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for our mental health services
  • We are rated as one of the top four NHS trusts for providing an extremely high level of care for people with mental illness
  • We were shortlisted by the HSJ for Mental Health Provider of the Year in 2019
  • We are multi award-winning, including ‘Best Use of Technology to Improve the Working Environment’ and ‘Best Employee Staff Recognition’
  • Staff have rated us 9.4 out of 10 for our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Why Dorset?
If you don’t already live here and you’re tired of the 24-hour noise and rhythms of living and working in an urban jungle, Dorset could be the perfect place to start afresh. 

Dorset is home to the stunning Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site with miles and miles of sandy, award-winning beaches beloved by millions of holiday makers. More than half of Dorset is designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), reflecting our breath-taking landscapes, panoramic views, rich wildlife habitats and historical landmarks such as hilltop earthworks and ancient monuments.

Famous landmarks include Brownsea Island, birthplace of the scouting movement; Corfe Castle; the Cerne Abbas Giant; Gold Hill in Shaftesbury; Durdle Door; the Cobb at Lyme Regis, and the former homes of Thomas Hardy, run by the National Trust.

What will working for us provide you?

  • 27 days of annual leave, rising to 33 over ten years
  • Excellent NHS pension scheme
  • Flexible working options, including family-friendly hours
  • Free training, including access to our one-to-one career coaching team and leadership and development programmes
  • Access to nine staff networks – have a voice and transform our Trust
  • Access to one of our two Trust owned beach huts along the famous Sandbanks!
  • £10,000 relocation costs where applicable
  • Salary sacrifice scheme opportunities – including car lease and cycle scheme, home technology equipment, and buying and selling annual leave
  • NHS discounts and health and wellbeing services


Visit https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us
Email dhc.careers@nhs.net