Annual Research Event Focuses on Partnership Working
The 2025 BU-UHD Research Conference took place last week focusing on the theme of ‘Working in Partnership’.
Over 160 delegates from UHD, Bournemouth University (BU), Dorset County Hospital and Dorset Healthcare attended as well as many others from organisations within the Dorset Healthcare system.
The event was supported by Wessex Experimental Medicine Network.
Pictured left to right: Dr Peter Wilson, Professor Lois Farquharson, Kyla Thomas and Paul Walters.
Keynote sessions were delivered by Kyla Thomas, Network Director for South West Central Regional Research Delivery Network, looking at impactful partnership working, and Professor Alison Richardson, Deputy Director of Nursing Research for NHS England, who spoke about what research excellence looks like for health and care professionals and organisations.
A series of research showcases looked at the innovative health research already taking place in the region, and encouraged staff from across healthcare organisations to network and think collaboratively about the research capacity and Dorset, and how it can be used to support public health and help people live better for longer.
Dr Peter Wilson, Chief Medical Officer at UHD, said: “The latest research conference was a fantastic example of the appetite and interest in research not just at UHD and Bournemouth University, but throughout the Dorset healthcare system. It was a day full of inspiring presentations and opportunities to network and it really showed the desire our organisations have to work together for the benefit of patients and Dorset residents.
“Thank you to everyone who gave their time to make the event such a success.”
Professor Lois Farquharson, Executive Dean of Bournemouth University’s Business School and Chair of the BU-UHD Partnership Steering Group, said, “At BU, we want to work with our local healthcare partners to put our research and resources towards making a difference in our community. The Conference was a wonderful day to be inspired by presentations and examples of innovative research in action, as well as deepening discussions about how we can work together to address key challenges and work for public good. My thanks go to all who took part in the event”.
Christine McGrath, Managing Director of Wessex Health Partners, said: "It's fantastic to see colleagues connecting and embracing opportunities to combine their excellence and accelerate impact for patient and public benefit in Dorset and more widely. At a time when our health services are under enormous pressure, the need to shift from 'research to reality' has never been greater.
"The range and depth of research projects on show really drove home just how much exciting work we have been able to begin in Dorset. All these groundbreaking projects have huge potential to improve healthcare for patients - with local, national and international impact."
Life-changing work
A bionic grandad, a Paralympic swimming hopeful and an army veteran who elected to have his leg amputated, a special TV series goes behind the scenes of our Dorset Prosthetics Centre and meets three patients whose lives have been changed by the skills, innovation and dedication of all those who work there…
The teams in our Dorset Prosthetic Centre at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital care for more than 900 patients. From babies and toddlers right through to centenarians, once they become part of this prosthetics community, they are supported for life.
A special three-part series with BBC South Today shone a spotlight on the service and introduced us to three people benefiting from the creativity and craftsmanship, as well as the psychological and therapeutic support, of the Dorset team.
Charlie Holford, 34, is a Dorset army veteran who describes having his leg removed was one of ‘the best days of his life’. Charlie suffered from complex regional pain syndrome following an accident while on military training and has now gone on to become an international athlete and cross fit gym owner.
Charlie Holford
Isabella Haynes from Wimborne has her sights set on the next paralympic games in LA. The 16-year-old freestyle swimmer has grown up without her right leg and her swimming ability was spotted by a scout two years ago. She has been supported by the Dorset Prosthetics Centre since she was born.
Isabella
And Dr Rob Mannion is proof that age is no barrier to the latest technology. In the last few months the team has been working with 78-year-old ‘bionic grandad’ to fit the latest electric hand.
Dr Rob Mannion
WATCH!
You can meet Charlie, Isabella and Rob by catching up on all the episodes here:
Our St Mary's Maternity Unit is now closed.
There are no staff on site at the unit.
There is no Emergency Gynaecology service at Poole.
If you need our Maternity services go to the BEACH Building at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital – follow signs for zone B.
If you need our Early Pregnancy or Emergency Gynaecology services, please go to the West Wing opposite Ward 2.
You can find more information about the moves and a map of our Royal Bournemouth Hospital site on our website. https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/
A fond farewell to St Mary's Maternity Unit
Local families and University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) staff have said an emotional goodbye to St Mary's Maternity Unit.
Over 400 people gathered in Poole on Saturday 5 April for a morning of reflection and celebration where, for the past 64 years, an estimated 250,000 babies have been welcomed into the world. It was an opportunity for the community to come together with colleagues past and present, share memories, and take a look around the unit following its closure.
Guests also had a chance to find out about the future of UHD's maternity services which are now located in the new BEACH (Births, Emergency and Critical care and children's Health) Building on the Royal Bournemouth Hospital site.
Siobhan Harrington, Chief Executive Officer at UHD, said the event was a "tribute to both the community and the staff who made the unit what it was. I’ve been here nearly three years as chief executive, and to see our community come out to mark this day with our staff is absolutely amazing. People are sharing stories about their experiences here, and it’s incredibly moving."
UHD colleages gather to pay tribute to St Mary's Maternity Unit.
L-R: Consultant gynaecologist Mr Tim Hillard, Medical Director of Strategy and Transformation Dr Isabel Smith, Director of Midwifery and Neonatal Services, Lorraine Tonge, Head of Midwifery and Neonatal Services, Senior Inpatient Maternity Matron, Christine Smith, and Transitional Care Ward Matron, Caroline Boyd.
Kerry Taylor, UHD’s Head of Midwifery, said it was important to give people a chance to celebrate the building and its history. “We are so excited at moving to the BEACH Building, but acknowledge that for many local families and staff here today, it is bittersweet to see the doors to St Mary’s Maternity Unit close for a final time. We are delighted to give people the opportunity to come and reminisce, sharing the memories they have from their time here in the building and joining us to say a fond farewell."
UHD's Head of Midwifery, Kerry Taylor
Local families gather to say goodbye to St Mary's
Marion Pauley, 87, was one of the first women to give birth at St. Mary’s in 1961, and returned to the unit to say her goodbyes with her daughter. She said: “This hospital holds so many special memories for me. Although I was poorly after having my son, my mother lived nearby and was able to visit us everyday while we were in special care for five weeks. It meant everything.”
Marion Pauley, was one of the first women to give birth at St Mary's when the unit first opened in 1961
Families return to say their goodbyes to the unit
Staff-led tours of the unit took place throughout the morning
Senior Inpatient Maternity Matron, Christine Smith, spoke about the privilege of supporting women during such a special time in their lives.
Lorraine Tonge, UHD's Director of Midwifery and Neonatal Services, rang the unit's bell for the final time. The 'fathers out' bell was orignially sounded each evening to mark the end of visiting time.
With St Mary's now officially closed, a new era in maternity services begins at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, where maternity and neonatal teams at the BEACH Building will provide maternity and neonatal care, offering the highest standard of medical support for new and expecting parents within a state-of-the-art unit. To find out more, head here.
New era in maternity care as services open at the BEACH Building and St Mary’s unit closes
Today (31 March) marks a historic moment for University Hospitals Dorset as the first baby is born at the BEACH Building and St Mary’s Maternity Unit officially closes its doors after over 60 years of dedicated service.
The BEACH Building offers an exceptional Maternity and Neonatal Unit designed to provide comfort, care, and the highest standard of medical support for expecting parents. The unit is set to welcome over 4,400 babies annually, ensuring comprehensive care from pregnancy and birth through to postnatal support.
As part of the transition, a small number of mothers and babies were safely transferred from St Mary’s Maternity Unit to the BEACH Building’s state-of-the-art facilities. This seamless relocation reflected the commitment to providing safe, high-quality care throughout the changeover.
In addition to the maternity and neonatal services, all emergency gynaecology and early pregnancy services have also moved to RBH. Patients requiring urgent gynaecology care must now attend RBH instead of Poole Hospital, ensuring a streamlined approach to emergency services.
The last baby born at St Mary’s arrived this morning, Baby Ademole, and marked an emotional farewell to over six decades of cherished maternity care at the site.
Mum, Dorcas, said: “We didn’t expect him to be born at St Mary’s - he was supposed to arrive at the BEACH. It’s been lovely hearing about the memories from St Mary’s, and the team has shared their years of experience with us."
Baby Leandra was the first to be admitted to the new unit, transferred from St Mary’s earlier that morning, making history as the first baby to receive care at the state-of-the-art BEACH Building.
Mum, Marina, expressed her gratitude, saying: “The new facility is everything we could have hoped for. The staff, the environment, everything made this experience so special and comforting.”
Later in the day, Baby Isla, became the first baby born at the BEACH Building, symbolising the start of an exciting new era in maternity care for families across the region.
Mum, Katy, said: “Isla arrived a little after 11am this morning, with a smooth birth and no complications, and we’re thankful to all the staff here for their amazing care. I’m very tired but so excited, and our son, James, has happily told us he’s 'ready for not much sleep!'"
Senior Inpatient Maternity Matron, Christine Smith, added: “We’re really delighted that our first baby has been born at the BEACH and so pleased that everything went well for this lovely family.”
Commenting on an amazing day, Sarah Herbert, Chief Nursing Officer at University Hospitals Dorset, said:
“It’s a bittersweet moment to bid farewell to St Mary’s after 60 years, but the move to the BEACH Building is a tremendous leap forward in enhancing our maternity, neonatal, and gynaecology services.
“These state-of-the-art facilities will provide families with modern, comfortable care that reflects our on-going commitment to providing the best possible experience for both parents and babies.
“With improved amenities, including the option for a support person to remain throughout the stay, we are proud to offer a space that fosters a positive birth experience.
“We are thrilled to have supported Dorcas, Marina and Katy today with their lovely babies and look forward to welcoming many more families in the years to come.”
The BEACH Building is part of a broader strategy to consolidate emergency services at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. This move will reduce patient transfers between hospitals, alleviate pressure on the ambulance service, and ultimately improve care outcomes for both maternity and emergency patients.
As this new chapter begins, the University Hospitals Dorset team remains dedicated to offering families the highest level of care in an environment designed with comfort and safety at the forefront.
Photos
Baby Isla with mum Katy
Baby Leandra with mum Marina
Baby Ademole with mum Dorcas
