Important information for dermatology patients
From 17 August 2026, some dermatology appointments that currently take place at Christchurch Hospital will move to Poole Hospital.
If your appointment moves to another location, you will receive an updated appointment letter confirming the new location, date and time of your appointment. An updated text message will also be sent to patients for whom we have a contact mobile phone number.
You will still be cared for by the same UHD Dermatology Team.
Please check your appointment letter carefully in advance of your appointment date and if you already have an appointment booked before 17 August 2026, please attend as planned.
We are holding a patient information drop-in event from 6-8pm on 28 July in the Dermatology Unit at Christchurch Hospital, where the team will be on hand to speak to patients about the changes.
If you would like to attend, please send you name and contact details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For more information about the changes and why they’re happening, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are changing how are dermatology services care for you by introducing a new ‘Hub and Spoke’ model. The main ‘Hub’ will be based at Poole Hospital, with a supporting ‘Spoke’ at Christchurch Hospital and another at St Mary’s Hospital (opposite Poole Hospital). Patients will be seen at the different locations based on their clinical need.
Our ‘Hub’ will see the majority of our patients and offer a range of specialist and complex dermatology services and our ‘Spoke’ sites will see smaller numbers of routine patients. This approach will bring our clinical teams together, helping to strengthen the service and ensure patients have easier access to senior clinical expertise, particularly for more complex conditions and treatments.
The new model will increase appointment availability across all areas of dermatology, including urgent skin cancer referrals. This is expected to reduce waiting times and improve access to routine outpatient care. Overall, these changes are designed to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time, from the most appropriate clinician. Our priority is to provide safe, high-quality care while improving the experience and outcomes for our patients.
The Hub and Spoke model will take effect from Monday 17 August 2026.
Most dermatology services will be provided at our ‘Hub’ site, at Poole Hospital.
Some appointments and procedures will still take place at:
- Christchurch Hospital (providing a range of service provision including cancer fast-track appointments and skin cancer follow ups, minor surgical procedures, phototherapy and wound clinics.)
- St Mary’s Hospital (will offer a small number of clinics, including cancer fast-track appointments and skin cancer follow-ups and one-stop surgery.)
Appointments will be offered at the most appropriate location based on your care needs.
All your appointments will be at the location that best suits your care needs. If you require multiple appointments, this will be discussed with you at your first appointment.
- If your appointment is moved to a different location, we will send you updated appointment details confirming the new location, date and time. If we have your mobile number, you will receive a text message notifying you of the change. If we do not have a mobile number for you, we will send an updated appointment letter by post.
- Please check your appointment letter carefully before attending to make sure you have the correct details. If you already have an appointment scheduled before 17 August 2026, please attend as planned.
- You will continue to be cared for by the same University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) dermatology team wherever your appointment is.
We are carefully planning the move to minimise disruption to patient care. Our teams are working to ensure services continue as smoothly as possible throughout this time.
If any temporary changes are needed, we will contact you in advance with clear information and guidance.
Please be assured that maintaining safe, high-quality care and continuity of treatment is our top priority.
Yes. Our priority is to maintain safe, high-quality care for all patients.
The introduction of a Hub and Spoke model will strengthen teamwork, improve coordination between clinicians, and support more consistent care. It will also help ensure patients have better access to senior clinical expertise, particularly for more complex conditions.
The new model is expected to increase appointment availability, including for urgent skin cancer referrals, helping to reduce waiting times and improve access to routine care.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the changes to the dermatology service, please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
A drop in information event for patients is being held at Christchurch Hospital in the Dermatology Unit on 28 July from 6pm to 8pm. Dermatology patients can come along and speak to the team about the changes.
If you would like to attend, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name and contact details. Teas and coffees will be available.
For travel information about how to get to any of our sites, please visit www.uhd.nhs.uk/visit. Here you will find directions, public transport information and maps of the hospital sites.
Parking is available at all hospital sites. For details about where to park, please visit www.uhd.nhs.uk/visit/parking.
Please note: As St Mary’s Hospital is across the road from Poole Hospital, the same car parks are used for St Mary’s and Poole Hospital.
