TV star Martin Clunes is set to open the new chemotherapy unit at Dorset County Hospital tomorrow.

The Dorset-based actor will officially open the state-of-the-art unit at the Dorchester hospital alongside former cancer patient Sam Fowler.

The new £650,000 unit delivers chemotherapy on a daily basis to patients in Dorset and further improves patient care at the hospital. It also provides haematology and oncology outpatient clinics.

Martin Clunes has spearheaded the fundraising for several Dorset cancer charities since he moved to the county several years ago.

He has played an active role in the annual Race for Life event and has been a staunch supporter of the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust and Macmillan cancer care nurses.

Linda Baldrey MBE, Macmillan lead cancer nurse at the unit, said: “We’re delighted Martin Clunes has chosen to open the new unit. It will be a chance to say thank you to the many people across Dorset who’ve helped raise money for the new unit.

“Individuals and groups held sponsored events and gave generous donations – we’re grateful to them all.

“Dorset County Hospital paid for half the cost, and the other main funders were the Fortuneswell Trust, The Dorset Health Trust, The Wessex Cancer Trust and the Hospital League of Friends.’ The old doctors’ quarters have been refurnished with a new extension added, providing better facilities for patients and more space for medical staff.

There are five consulting rooms, two treatment rooms, a small kitchen, a nurses’ office, a much larger reception and waiting area and, most importantly, a quiet room for sensitive meetings.

‘It’s made such a difference to us all,’ added Linda.

‘We want to provide the best care for patients and these improvements really help us to reach that goal.’ Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust looks after the health needs of people throughout West Dorset, serving a largely rural population of 220,000 and employing more than 3,000 staff.

The Trust achieved ‘excellent’ for quality of services and ‘good’ for its use of resources in the latest NHS performance ratings.

Waiting times continue to be among the shortest in the country.