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