Public engagement events for the future of our health services

University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) is inviting local residents to speak to clinical colleagues about the changes happening at UHD that will affect everyone who uses its services. The series of public engagement events are taking place in September and October at Poole Hospital and the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) with further events planned at the end of the year.

Clinicians from the surgical team will be available to answer questions about the new barn theatres at Poole Hospital, and the new emergency theatres at RBH. They can also answer queries about how these changes will positively affect patients. Our team of midwives will be able to talk about the brand-new maternity unit that will be welcoming new babies in the BEACH building from April 2025, and our emergency department team will be there to chat to attendees and explain what changes will occur when RBH becomes an emergency care hospital and Poole Hospital becomes the elective care site. All these changes are crucial to improving services for everyone who uses them.

The event details are…

·                     Thursday 26 September, 6-8pm – Lecture theatre in the education centre at RBH

·                     Tuesday 8 October, 6-8pm - Lecture theatre in the education centre at Poole Hospital

·                     Monday 21 October, 6-8pm - Lecture theatre in the education centre at RBH

Siobhan Harrington, chief executive at UHD said: “Exciting changes are happening across UHD and these will have a huge impact on the people of Dorset and anyone who uses our services. We want to help residents understand what these changes mean for them, their families, and friends by speaking to them and listening to their questions and any concerns.

“Big, positive changes have already happened across UHD and are making a real difference to patients. Stroke services moved from Poole Hospital to the Royal Bournemouth site earlier this year and having the service on one site is already making improvements in patient care, especially in reducing the average length of stay for patients.

“We know that change can be unsettling but we’re here to listen and help those with concerns through the changes.”

Light refreshments will be provided, and parking is free for attendees. If you will be attending, please email communications@uhd.nhs.uk with your name and telephone number. This is to help us with refreshment order.

If you are unable to attend the events and have a questions or concern, please email the communications team on the same email contact.