UTC advice and appointment line improves patient experience
Patients attending the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTCs) at Poole and the Royal Bournemouth hospitals are benefiting from a new advice and appointment line, introduced to create better and quicker access to the right care.
UTCs provide urgent medical help when it's not a life-threatening emergency. The appointment line gives healthcare services - including NHS111, South West Ambulance Service and community practitioners - the option of contacting a dedicated team at the hospitals to arrange an appointment for patients in the UTC, advise them to walk into the department, or direct them to alternative services where appropriate.
Since the line was introduced in May, more than 500 patients have been given planned appointments every month.
UTC lead, Matt Morris, said: “Previously patients were directed to attend the UTC without a booked appointment time, leading to unplanned arrivals, crowded waiting areas, repeated assessments, or being asked to come back at a later time. By having this dedicated advice and appointment line, we can create a more coordinated patient journey and a better experience for our patients.
“We have already seen reduced waiting times and are able to see those with greater clinical needs more urgently. It’s helping ensure our community gets the right care, in the right place at the right time.”
The team is now looking to open the line for longer and to introduce even more experienced clinicians into the advice process.
If you think you need urgent medical help and it is not life threatening, call NHS 111 or go to 111 online.
Cardiac arrest survivor thanks man who saved his life
A man who suffered a cardiac arrest last year has met the person who saved his life at a CPR training event hosted by University Hospitals Dorset (UHD).
Pete Tonkin, 63, was at Queen's Park Gym in February 2025 when he had a cardiac arrest.
A member of staff, Tom Guest, immediately started CPR on Pete while an ambulance was dispatched. He continued CPR after delivering an electric shock from the gym's automated external defibrillator before paramedics arrived.
L-R - Pete Tonkin and Tom Guest
Tom said: "It was clear from first laying eyes on Pete that it was a cardiac arrest and was therefore vital to get directly onto chest compressions. Nothing can prepare you for actually dealing with that situation but I just followed through with my training."
Pete, who has since fully recovered, said he was jogging on a machine on 19 February and "the next thing I know, I'm in hospital". He said the cardiac arrest came without warning, with no prior symptoms or extreme exercising.
The pair met on Thursday 15 October at a CPR public traning event hosted by UHD's Resuscitation Team at Littledown Leisure Centre in Bournemouth.
Resuscitation Officer, Adam Meehan, said: "Pete and Tom's story is a powerful example of just how important CPR training is. It's a skill that really can make all the difference, with effective CPR techniques proving to treble the chances of a person surviving an out of hospital cardiac arrest. Our message is simple - please take the time to learn CPR like Tom did. You just never know when you might need it."
Pete added: "My doctor said it was an extraordinary event, but I think the extraordinary event was how Tom acted like he did and saved my life."
L-R - Pete, Tom, and UHD Resus Officers, Adam and Isabella
New endoscopy hub gets put through its paces
The new Dorset Endoscopy Diagnostic Hub at Poole Hospital is being tried and tested ahead of welcoming its first patients next week.
To test the facility, colleagues have been undergoing simulation training, where life like scenarios are constructed by our in-house Simulation Team, enabling them to get to know their way around the facility and make adjustments where needed.
Jacqueline Annor, Simulation Practitioner said:
“The simulation was designed to see how the new endoscopy building will work in real life. By acting out real patient journeys and processes, we could spot any issues, refine processes and make sure the space works safely and smoothly for both patients and staff before it opens.”
The simulations also play an important role in familiarising colleagues with the new facilities and ensuring they are confident running their endoscopy services within the new hub. One staff member commented:
"The simulation helped to familiarise myself with the unit and the patient pathway, plus having the opportunity to address concerns honestly and the (simulation) team are very supportive. I am no longer anxious about moving to the new building and I am feeling confident"
The new endoscopy hub will be an outpatient facility treating non-acute conditions that support a patient’s planned care. It will enable us to treat more patients, reduce waiting times and enhance the overall patient experience.
Watch Dr Sally Parry, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Clinical Endoscopy Lead (Poole), and Dr Imogen Williams, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Clinical Director for Speciality Medicine as they talk about the new unit:
Join our children's health talk
Members of the public are invited to a free event hosted by University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) where they can learn more about common childhood illnesses, meet local children's health experts, and learn about plans to transform children's health services across Dorset.
The event will take place on Wednesday 21 October from 5pm to 6.30pm at the Share Lecture Theatre in the Fusion Building at Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus.
Hosted by UHD's Child Health Team, the event will offer practical advice for parents, carers and families on a range of common childhood conditions, including gastroenteritis, bronchiolitis, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and viral induced wheeze. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how children are cared for in hospital, at home and within the community.
A key focus of the evening will be the future of children's healthcare in Dorset. Families will have the opportunity to hear about the transformation of children's health services planned for next year, designed to improve how care is delivered and ensure children and young people receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time.
The session will be led by Dr Fiona Hignett, Consultant Paediatrician, alongside members of the wider Child Health Team, giving attendees the chance to hear directly from the professionals who care for Dorset's young patients every day.
Dr Fiona Hignett said: "This event is a fantastic opportunity for parents, carers and anyone interested in children's health to meet our team, learn more about some of the illnesses we commonly see and hear about the exciting changes that are coming to children's health services in Dorset. We are transforming the way we deliver care, and we want our communities to be part of that journey."
The event is free to attend, but booking is required. For more information and to reserve your space, click on this link: https://www.ticketsource.com/university-hospitals-dorset-nhs-foundation-trust/understanding-your-childs-health/e-jpzzdv
Former colleague sentenced after serious offence
Paul Ernest Cruz, 38, a former member of staff at Royal Bournemouth Hospital was found guilty in Bournemouth Crown Court of sexual assault on a patient in our Emergency Department in July 2023.
Sarah Herbert our Chief Nursing Officer, said: “This should have never happened in our hospital. We would like to sincerely apologise to the victim and her family for this assault that took place while she was in our care. We worked closely with Dorset Police on the investigation and thank them and our colleagues who provided evidence to ensure this conviction. We have strengthened our chaperone policy to ensure appropriate protection for all our patients.”
Cruz was a band 5 nurse who worked in our Emergency Department, from September 2021 until he was suspended in 2023 following his arrest. We dismissed him following this and referred him to the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
We reviewed patient feedback during his period of employment and to date no further concerns have been raised. However, if any former patient has any concerns about the care that they received, they can leave a message, with contact details, on 0300 019 1000. Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police online at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101.
