New Emergency Department Opens at Royal Bournemouth Hospital

University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) has officially opened the brand-new Emergency Department at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, marking a major step forward in improving urgent and emergency care across the region.

The new facility, located in the BEACH building just 100 metres from the previous department, is now fully operational. It also houses the Urgent Treatment Centre and includes separate entrances for walk-in patients and ambulance arrivals.

Importantly, services at Poole Hospital remain unchanged. Its Emergency Department and Urgent Treatment Centre are still running as normal, with Poole continuing to serve as Dorset’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 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."

(Quotes from Siobhan Harrington and Dr Deborah Mayne sourced from University Hospitals Dorset’s official website.)

This development is part of UHD’s long-term strategy to separate planned and emergency care, minimising disruption and improving outcomes. Full implementation of this vision is expected by early 2026.