Dorset Residents Urged to Voice Concerns Over Hospital Changes
By Curtis Lancaster
South of England
Dorset residents are being encouraged to attend a community health event to share their concerns about significant changes to local hospital services. The event, organized by University Hospitals Dorset (UHD), will take place from 10:00 GMT to 16:00 at the Gather space in Poole's Dolphin Centre.
The event aims to raise awareness about the ongoing £500 million transformation program at UHD sites, which includes making Royal Bournemouth Hospital the county's primary emergency center. This means that emergency patients will be treated at Bournemouth, while planned procedures, walk-ins, and non-emergency care will be handled at Poole Hospital, which will lose its emergency department in July/August 2026.
James Donald, the associate director of communications for UHD, emphasizes the importance of public engagement, stating, 'We want to inform the public about what's happening and also listen to their concerns.'
The proposed changes are designed to reduce waiting times for patients. Mr. Donald explains, 'By having a dedicated center for planned care, we can ensure that emergency pressures don't disrupt other services.'
Despite the significant changes, UHD has already seen positive outcomes in services like Poole's maternity unit, which moved to Bournemouth earlier this year. The event will also offer free health checks, including blood pressure tests and COVID-19 and flu vaccinations for eligible individuals.
Additionally, various partner organizations, such as Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and Dorset Police, will be present to share information about their services and campaigns. Residents are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions on these important hospital changes.
For more information, contact the BBC Dorset.
