DORCHESTER’S Joseph Weld Hospice is set to benefit from major renovations after receiving a grant of more than £250,000 from the Department of Health.

The work will help to improve the patient and family areas as well as the main reception area in the hospice but will mean some changes during the three months the work is expected to take.

Patients will continue to be admitted as normal and their visitors will be welcome but there will be no access to the hospice via the main reception at the front of the building.

The main reception will be moved to the day centre during the refurbishment with and will be open from 8.30am to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm at weekends. Access to the day centre is via the double doors from the lower car park at the rear of the building.

The current arrangements for out of hours access will still apply, with signs explaining where the bell to ring at the side door of the hospice is located.

The phone number is still 01305 215300 and anyone with queries about changes to access is asked to contact the hospice.

The Weldmar Hospicecare Trust stated: “Weldmar would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding during this temporary period of disruption. The new facilities will provide a much improved dining area and more private seating for relatives.”