Charity campaign aims to give children a happier hospital experience
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity launches a brand-new ‘Do It for the Kids’ campaign to raise additional funds to give children across Dorset a happier hospital experience for generations to come.
With a fundraising target of £350,000, the campaign will support the new Children’s Health Unit opening in the BEACH Building at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital this summer.
Every year, 30,000 children and young people need hospital care and at the heart of the campaign is patient feedback. After months of listening to the experience of patients and families, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity has been working with the Child Health team to identify what makes meaningful differences for young patients
Every donation will go towards making the hospital less daunting for children up to the age of 18 and creating spaces for families to be together. This includes fundraising items that are beyond NHS funds, like artwork, additional play areas, technology, sensory trolleys and much more.
Jessica Tyler, Fundraising Manager from University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity said: “We’re so lucky to have the new Children’s Unit here in Bournemouth. The 'Do It for the Kids' campaign is all about funding enhancements which are shaped by the voices of children, young people and their families. We're working hard to make moments in hospital brighter, creating an experience that feels supportive and comforting."
Rob Emery, from Poole, knows firsthand just how much those extras above and beyond NHS funding matter. Rob and his wife, Chantel, have ten-year-old triplets who live with profound cerebral palsy, epilepsy and global delay, which require regular hospital care.
Rob said: “I cannot fault the medical teams and am so grateful for their support. However, I can’t say enough, what a difference it will make to have private spaces or additional sensory equipment for families like us who have complex disabilities and healthcare needs.
“These items will particularly help patients who are non-verbal to regulate their emotions during long waiting times, for example. The extra items like this may seem small, but speaking for families in the local community, I can share just how much this could ease the experience for people who care for children with additional needs, especially during what can already be extra challenging times. Hospital visits can’t always be avoided, but if we can make them more manageable for patients, it can only be a good thing.”
Kate Hibberd, another parent from Poole, also said: “Just last month, my six-year-old daughter, Meredith, came to the end of her chemotherapy treatment. We cannot support this initiative enough because, as a mum, it brings me great comfort to know that the vision for the enhanced Children’s Unit is based on the experience of people like Meredith, who can be a part of the step-change to give children a happier hospital experience.
“Meredith’s mission to tackle her cancer was to bring some colour and fun to every chemotherapy treatment by dressing up as anything from dinosaurs to Pokémon characters. Learning from Meredith, the hospital doesn’t have to be something children fear!”
Do It for the Kids is part of the ongoing BEACH Appeal, which was launched in April 2024 to transform the care for everybody in Dorset who depends on the hospital services for Births, Emergency care, Critical Care and Children’s Health.
Every child and young person deserves a happier hospital experience. Help fund those special touches that will make a big difference in their little lives by supporting the Do It for the Kids campaign: www.UHDcharity.org/kids
Nominations open for our Patient Choice Award at University Hospitals Dorset
Your local hospitals are giving you the chance to put forward staff or volunteers you feel have gone the extra mile for special recognition.
Our Patient Choice Award is seeking to highlight some of the incredible individuals and teams that make up University Hospitals Dorset – Christchurch, Poole, and the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
They form part of the UHD Awards 2026, which recognise and celebrate hospital staff, those working for key partners in our hospitals and for volunteers who give their time and skills for free.
Nominating is simple – just click here to find an online form and guidance on what judges will be looking for to help your nomination stand out.
Nominations must be made by midday on Monday 3 April 2026.
Judges will be looking for individuals and teams for who nothing is too much trouble, provide great care or service, treat others with kindness and respect, and are a great example to others.
Siobhan Harrington, Chief Executive for UHD, said: “We’re here to provide the best possible care of our patients. During a time of significant transformation across our hospitals our staff are going above and beyond. This means the best experience possible from the moment our patients step foot in our hospitals or speak to a member of our team on the phone or online.”
“Every member of our team can contribute to the care a patient experiences, from all corners of our hospitals. I hope as many members of the public as possible take the opportunity to put someone forward in our Patient Choice Award.
“This is our fourth UHD Staff Awards and we hope it will be bigger and better than ever. We consistently see how much recognition from the public means to our UHD family, so we’d love to see as many nominations in this category as possible.”
The winners will be decided by a judging panel including a wide range of UHD staff and announced at an awards event at The Pavilion in Bournemouth on 11 June.
Our 2025 awards winners
Patient Choice Award judging criteria
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Recognising an individual or team who (some or all criteria may be relevant):
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actively promote a positive and memorable experience of our hospitals
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go the extra mile - nothing is too much trouble
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deliver consistently great care or service
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treat others with kindness and care, dignity and respect, and are supportive and compassionate
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are a great example and role model to others.
New group training initiative allows quicker access to life changing technology for diabetes patients
People living with type 1 diabetes are experiencing life-changing improvements sooner, thanks to the introduction of a new group-based training initiative being rolled out by the Diabetes Team (pictured right) at University Hospitals Dorset (UHD).
These group training sessions allow larger numbers of patients to be trained on the new hybrid closed loop insulin pump technology at any one time. This approach, the second of its kind in the country, not only speeds up access to the technology, but helps patients build a sense of community and shared support.
Type 1 diabetes is a complex condition that requires constant monitoring and careful management of blood glucose levels. Traditionally, this has placed a heavy physical and mental burden on patients, with many experiencing unstable glucose levels, disrupted sleep and an increased risk of long-term complications.
The new hybrid closed loop systems offer a significant step forward. The system consists of a small wearable pump connected to a cannula, which automatically monitors blood glucose levels and adjusts insulin delivery in real time. Patients can view their glucose levels via a smartphone app and securely share this data with their diabetes care team.
While patients still play a role in managing their condition, including changing insulin and cannulas every three days, the system dramatically reduces the day-to-day workload of diabetes management. Overall glucose levels become more stable, leading to improved wellbeing and quality of life.
Clinicians report that one of the most significant benefits is improved overnight glucose levels. In the past, many patients experienced frequent nighttime hypoglycaemic episodes or “hypos”, leaving them exhausted and unwell the following day. The new system anticipates these drops and adjusts insulin levels automatically, helping patients wake up feeling well and able to get on with their lives.
Ray Pritchett, who has lived with type 1 diabetes for 27 years, says the new technology has brought him renewed confidence and peace of mind.
Diagnosed at the age of 40, Ray experienced significant disruptions to his working and family life due to the condition.
“It’s been a real struggle,” he said. “I had to change my job and lost my HGV licence. My son was three when I was diagnosed, and instead of enjoying that time, managing my diabetes ruled our lives.”
Ray has also experienced long-term complications from repeated hypoglycaemic episodes, including nerve damage to his feet, ulcers and eye problems. Receiving the new pump has eased many of his fears.
“Getting insulin through the pump rather than injections makes me feel more at ease,” he said. “I’m no longer scared of changing my insulin levels. I used to get a lot of hypos, but this system will regulate it.”
Patients who have transitioned to the pump describe the impact as “life changing”. One patient said: “I haven’t slept in two and a half years. Within two nights of going on the new pump, I slept all night.” Another reported improved skin tone, increased energy levels and feeling like they had “got their life back”.
Healthcare teams say the technology not only improves daily life for patients but also significantly reduces the risk of long-term complications, empowering people with type 1 diabetes to live more confidently and independently.
RBH ward names to change from 3 March
From Tuesday 3 March 2026, ward names at Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) will change as part of ongoing improvements to hospital wayfinding.
The new ward names are based on location identifiers and are designed to make it easier for patients and visitors to find their way around the hospital. New signage has been installed across the site to support navigation.
Patients and visitors may start to see the new ward names on signs and appointment letters ahead of their visit. Staff and volunteers will be available on site to help with directions and answer any questions.
These changes form part of the Trust’s wider transformation programme and will help ensure ward names remain clear and consistent, even if wards move location in the future. The ward name changes will not affect patient care or appointments. Only the names of some wards are changing.
Further updates will be shared ahead of the change. More information about the Trust’s transformation programme is available on our website, and patients and visitors are encouraged to speak to a member of staff if they need support during their visit. The latest Royal Bournemouth Hospital site map can be found here.
Hospital trust seeks feedback on new scanning facility in Poole
University Hospitals Dorset is inviting people to give their views on a new MRI and CT scanning facility close to Poole Hospital, which will replace the Shaftesbury House building on Shaftesbury Road.
The modern, fit-for-purpose, scanning facility will enable more patients to be seen sooner, helping reduce waiting times for scans.
Two events have been planned to showcase the design options for the facility and for the public and staff to give their feedback on the appearance of the building: Wednesday 11 February, 5-7pm - Poole Hospital Education Centre Thursday 12 February, 11.30am-1.30pm - Poole Hospital Dome - opposite Boots
Those unable to attend and wanting to find out about the plans are invited to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Matthew Benbow, CT and MRI Service Manager, said “We’re incredibly excited about the plans for this new facility and this potential further investment going into the Poole Hospital site.
“The additional capacity that this would create would have a really positive impact on patients by helping staff see them quicker. The close proximity to the hospital also makes it really convenient for patients and staff, while ensuring minimal disruption to the wider hospital during the building phase.”
Feedback from the public will be considered when making some of the final decisions about what the building will look like. The consultation will run until Sunday 15 February. Subject to planning, it’s hoped that the building will be open to patients by the end of the year.
You can read our frequently asked questions here.
