From 23 February 2026, all cancer care (oncology) inpatients will be treated at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH). This is part of University Hospitals Dorset's transformation programme to improve specialist cancer care and facilities. Outpatient and radiotherapy services will continue as they are currently provided.

What's changing

• All cancer care inpatient services will be provided at RBH from 23 February 2026.
• Any cancer outpatients who need to be admitted will be admitted to RBH, not Poole Hospital.
• Inpatients requiring radiotherapy will be transferred from RBH to Poole Hospital for treatment, with coordinated transport and clinical handover.

What stays the same

• Outpatient clinics and radiotherapy services will continue as they are currently provided.
• Children's cancer care continues in partnership with the paediatric oncology centre in Southampton and the children's unit at Poole Hospital.

Why we're making this change

Bringing cancer inpatients and Acute Oncology together on one site strengthens clinical teamwork, streamlines patient pathways, and supports consistent, coordinated care in a purpose designed environment. This move is a key milestone in UHD’s programme to improve specialist care following the Dorset Clinical Services Review.

FAQs:

1. Why are the inpatients moving?

This consolidation will bring our inpatient and Acute Oncology teams together in one purpose-designed environment. Our aim is to strengthen clinical collaboration, improve continuity of care, and support more efficient patient pathways for our patients. This fits with our move to a planned and emergency care hospital following the clinical services review. Following the Dorset Clinical Services Review, plans were approved to reform local health services in 2019. Over 10,000 hours of NHS staff time were invested into developing these plans for our future, with the input of doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and many others.

2. Where are they moving to?

Oncology inpatient services, currently based on the Sandbanks ward in Poole, will relocate to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Acute Oncology Services from both Poole and Bournemouth will also merge and operate from the Bournemouth site.

3. When will the new site open?

The new Oncology inpatient ward and merged Acute Oncology Service are planned to open at Bournemouth in February 2026.

4. Will there be any disruption to services during the move?

We are planning the move carefully to minimise disruption. Detailed work is underway to ensure continuity of care throughout the transition. If any temporary changes are required, these will be clearly communicated in advance to patients and staff.

5. Will the quality of care remain the same?

Yes. Our priority is to maintain high quality care. Bringing services together on one site will enhance teamwork, streamline patient pathways, and support consistent, coordinated care.

6. Who can I contact if I have questions?

Please contact Mandy Tanner, General Manger Cancer Care at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Jemima Greenwood, Senior Matron, Cancer Care at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..