Hundreds of patients given free 'comfort bags'

Wash cloths, shaving kits and pens are often included in the pouches

More than 1,000 free bags containing toiletries have now been given to people rushed to a hospital without any belongings.

Organised by charity Friends of Dorset County Hospital, the bags are donated to patients who are unexpectedly admitted to the emergency department in Dorchester.

They contain items like toothpaste, deodorant, tissues, hairbrush, shower gel, lip balm, moisturiser and sanitary products.

First launched in May 2023, the scheme was introduced to support patients through a "stressful time".

The initiative has since been expanded to families in the hospital's Special Care Baby Unit.

'Small act of kindness'

Founded in 1956, the charity provides comfort and help to patients and their relatives at the hospital.

Annette Kent, the charity's vice-chair, said it initially donated 50 bags, but the idea had been popular.

"The feedback we have received from patients and staff has been fantastic and we know we really are making a difference to patient experience with this initiative,” she added.

Sam Warren, assistant service manager in the hospital's emergency department, said the bags were making a difference to people.

"Just a small act of kindness like this can make a huge difference and we get to see that first hand.”