Work begins on new £91m hospital building

The majority of ward spaces will be single rooms

Work has started on a new £91m hospital building in Bournemouth that will increase patient capacity in the region.

The latest project at Royal Bournemouth Hospital is part of a £500m transformation of University Hospital Dorset (UHD) sites.

The four-floor, 10,800sqm building will house four levels of new hospital wards, totalling 110 beds.

It is due for completion in winter 2025.

The building will increase patient capacity in the region

Construction on the ward block begins as the nearby BEACH building - housing the maternity unit, children's unit and emergency department - nears completion.

Dr Robin O’Gorman, UHD medical care group's medical director, said: "We are absolutely delighted to see this project under way.

"Patients will benefit from new ward spaces, with the majority being single rooms.

"Staff will also benefit from having a great place to work within."

The work is being carried out by healthcare specialist construction firm Darwin Group.

University Hospitals Dorset was formed in 2020, bringing together Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch's hospital trusts, which embarked on a £250m transformation.

Since its inception the transformation budget has swelled to £500m, including funds from the government New Hospital Programme and investment for pathology and endoscopy services.