University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) NHS Foundation Trust has successfully opened a new, ‘state-of-the-art’ Emergency Department (ED) in the BEACH building at Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH).
Just 100 metres from the previous site, the new facility also houses the Urgent Treatment Centre, and features separate entrances for walk-in patients and ambulances. The move was carefully managed overnight on 13 and 14 May, and the new ED is now fully operational.
Public services at Poole Hospital are unaffected. Its Emergency Department and Urgent Treatment Centre continue to operate as normal, and it remains the region’s designated trauma unit.
Siobhan Harrington, UHD's Chief Executive, said: “This safe transition is a testament to the dedication of our staff and support of our partners. Thanks to their hard work, patients continued to receive seamless care throughout the move, as we improve services for the future.”
Dr Deborah Mayne, UHD’s Clinical director for Emergency and Urgent Care, added: “The move of Bournemouth ED in to our new department is an exciting step in our wider plan to improve the flow of emergency care, ensuring that patients get the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time. It is important for everyone to remember that Poole ED is fully operational, and remains the region’s trauma unit.”
The new facility is part of UHD’s long-term vision to separate emergency and planned care, the aim being to reduce disruption and improve outcomes for all patients. These changes will be fully implemented in early 2026.
