Delay in the move of services

University Hospitals Dorset is undergoing a £500m transformation to develop east Dorset’s major emergency hospital at Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) and the country’s largest planned care site at Poole Hospital.

We had been planning the next phase of our major service moves later this summer as part of this. These include Poole’s Emergency Department, critical care and child health inpatients moving to RBH.   

Our main contractor for the Coast Building at RBH has now advised us of a delay in completion. The Coast is a vital part of our plans to safely transform services at RBH.  

Our senior teams are working with the contractor to explore all options to mitigate any delay. We hope to share the new dates for our next phase of moves once this has completed at the end of March.

We thank all colleagues who have been involved with our planning and for our previous moves, including maternity and oncology inpatients from Poole Hospital to RBH.

Poole Hospital’s Emergency Department is still open to care for patients 24/7. Until the department moves to RBH, all child health services also remain at Poole, so if you feel your baby or child is in need of emergency care, please attend Poole.

Please also help us to help you get the right support you need and only call 999 if it is a life-threatening condition. If you are unsure, call NHS 111 in the first instance to get the right support for your care.

Cancer inpatient services move to Royal Bournemouth Hospital

University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) has successfully relocated its oncology inpatient services and the Oncology Assessment Unit (Cancer SDEC) from Poole Hospital to the newly refurbished Oncology Ward at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH). All oncology and haematology inpatient admissions will take place at RBH.

Radiotherapy services will continue to be provided at Poole Hospital, and outpatient clinics and chemotherapy appointments will remain available at both Poole and Bournemouth sites. Cancer surgery will also continue to take place at Poole Hospital.

Bringing cancer inpatient services and Acute Oncology together on one site will strengthen clinical teamwork, streamline patient pathways, and improve the consistency and coordination of care. The move marks an important milestone in UHD’s programme to enhance specialist services following the Dorset Clinical Services Review.

Gemma Bryant, Acute Oncology Lead ACP, said of the move:

“The move today has gone really well, and we’re really excited to be in our new environment. All the teams have worked incredibly hard to ensure a smooth transition and to look after patients throughout the move.

The new assessment area and inpatient ward offer patients a much improved environment, including eight single rooms in the assessment unit so patients can be assessed privately.

Being on a specialist site also means patients are closer to other expert teams. For example, we’ve already had a patient reviewed by cardiology today - something made much easier by being together on one site.

It’s been a long time coming and we’re so pleased to finally be here.”

Susan Upward, a liver cancer patient who was previously admitted at Poole Hospital and transferred by ambulance to the new RBH ward, praised the new facilities:

“I was a bit apprehensive about the move, but this has been a wonderful experience. Staff have been so kind and helpful. The ward is so tranquil and tastefully decorated, and every detail has been thought through.

I will remember this room, it’s lovely. The temperature is perfect, which really makes a difference, and it feels like every consideration has been made for patients’ comfort.

It’s quiet and peaceful, and the whole atmosphere is very calming. It really helps with recovery.”

National award for hospice teams 

Staff from Forset Holme Hospice and the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital have received Gold status awards for services to their profession, presented by University Hospitals Dorset's Chief Nursing Officer, Sarah Herbert.

The CQAS (Clinical Quality Accreditation Scheme) is a structured, externally validated process used to assess whether a clinical service meets defined, evidence‑based standards of quality, safety, and effectiveness. It acts as an independent assurance that a service is delivering care in line with recognised best practice.

Debbie Waters, Matron for Palliative Care, said: "I am incredibly proud that both our hospice teams, Macmillan Unit and Forest Holme, have been awarded Gold, a recognition that reflects the compassion, dedication, and excellence shown by every single member of our team.

This achievement celebrates the exceptional care we provide to patients and families, the strength of our collaborative teamwork and shared values, and our commitment to delivering safe, high‑quality, person‑centred hospice care. To our staff, volunteers, patients, families, and partners — thank you. This Gold award belongs to all of us.”

The Macmillan Unit Team with Sarah Herbert, UHD's Chief Nursing Officer 

The Forset Holme Hospice Team 

Bone cement supply issues

There is a global supply issue with bone cement used in joint surgery that is impacting some orthopaedic surgeries across the NHS. The main supplier of bone cement to the health service – Heraeus Medical – has had to temporarily stop production at its main site, affecting supply for up to two months.

The cement is used mostly in knee replacements, but also in some hip and shoulder replacements. All NHS hospitals have been asked to prioritise trauma and urgent care for people who have suffered broken joints until supplies return to normal.

While we will make every effort to minimise the impact, this may result in some planned joint replacements being postponed so we have enough cement available for emergencies. We will share further details about the impact this will have for our patients when we know more and will be writing to patients affected directly. 

FAQs

What is happening? 

Heraeus Medical, a manufacturer of bone cement used in medical procedures such as emergency surgery and routine hip and knee replacements experienced a fault at their factory.

As a result, there will be an ongoing global supply disruption for the next few weeks.

Why can't we use an alternative?

For some procedures, alternative products are available from other suppliers but they will not be able to produce enough stock to cover everything Heraeus Medical would usually provide.

What does this mean for appointments?

Due to the global supply disruption, NHS England, The Department of Health and Social Care and the National Orthopaedic Society have asked NHS Trusts to prioritise providing procedures to patients with the most urgent clinical need to ensure there is enough supply.

This may mean that some patients with less clinically urgent needs have their care postponed, but medical teams will do their best to keep disruption to a minimum.

Should I still attend my appointment?

It is important that you continue to attend all your appointments as normal unless told otherwise by your provider.

The NHS remains open and you should also continue to use the NHS as normal for any other care you need.

How will I know my appointment is affected?

Your care provider will contact you directly if your appointment is postponed. If you do not hear from them, please attend all your scheduled appointments as normal.

The NHS remains open and you should also continue to use the NHS as normal for any care you need.

Are private (non-NHS) medical providers also affected?

Yes. This is a global supply disruption and is impacting other organisations, not just the NHS.

What should I do?

If you have any concerns or questions about what this means for you or your care, you should contact your care provider. They will be able to advise you.