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.
Cancer inpatient services moving to Royal Bournemouth Hospital
From 23 February 2026, all cancer care (oncology) inpatients will be treated at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH). This is part of University Hospitals Dorset's transformation programme to improve specialist cancer care and facilities. Outpatient and radiotherapy services will continue as they are currently provided. Cancer surgeries will still take place at Poole Hospital.
Any cancer outpatients who need to be admitted will be admitted to RBH, not Poole Hospital. Inpatients requiring radiotherapy will be transferred from RBH to Poole Hospital for treatment, with coordinated transport and clinical handover.
Children's cancer care continues in partnership with the paediatric oncology centre in Southampton and the children's unit at Poole Hospital.
Bringing cancer inpatients and Acute Oncology together on one site strengthens clinical teamwork, streamlines patient pathways, and supports consistent, coordinated care in a purpose designed environment. This move is a key milestone in UHD’s programme to improve specialist care following the Dorset Clinical Services Review.
FAQs:
1. Why are the inpatients moving?
This consolidation will improve your care by bringing our inpatient and Acute Oncology teams together in one purpose-designed environment. Our aim is to strengthen clinical collaboration, improve continuity of care, and support more efficient patient pathways for our patients.
This fits with our move to a planned and emergency care hospital following the Dorset Clinical Services Review. Plans were approved to reform local health services in 2019. Over 10,000 hours of NHS staff time were invested into developing these plans for our future, with the input of doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and many others.
2. Where are they moving to?
Oncology inpatient services, currently based on the Sandbanks ward in Poole, will relocate to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Acute Oncology Services from both Poole and Bournemouth will also merge and operate from the Bournemouth site.
3. When will the new site open?
The new Oncology inpatient ward and merged Acute Oncology Service are planned to open at Bournemouth in February 2026.
4. Will there be any disruption to services during the move?
We are planning the move carefully to minimise disruption. Detailed work is underway to ensure continuity of care throughout the transition. If any temporary changes are required, these will be clearly communicated in advance to patients and staff.
5. Will the quality of care remain the same?
Yes. Our priority is to maintain high quality care. Bringing services together on one site will enhance teamwork, streamline patient pathways, and support consistent, coordinated care.
6. Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please contact Mandy Tanner, General Manager, Cancer Care at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Jemima Greenwood, Senior Matron, Cancer Care at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
