A fundraising campaign to enhance the new BEACH building at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital has reached half a million pounds.
It means fundraisers at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity are a third of the way to their target of £1.5 million in the space of just seven months.
The BEACH Appeal will help fund additional items and enhancements – above and beyond NHS funding – for the services moving into the BEACH Building.
The projects include funding for an additional CT scanner in the future Emergency Department; electronic items to help children engage in education while receiving treatment in the Children’s Health Department and an outdoors space for critically unwell patients and NHS staff on the Critical Care Unit.
The BEACH Appeal will also enhance care for patients and families visiting the new future maternity, children’s health, critical care and emergency departments as well as support NHS colleagues working within the facility.
Jessica Tyler, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity fundraising manager for The BEACH Appeal, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to reach this fantastic £500,000 milestone just seven months after launching The BEACH Appeal.
“The support from our community groups, individuals, charitable trusts, and local businesses has been truly inspiring.
“It demonstrates our community’s commitment to supporting the NHS services at University Hospitals Dorset, which care for our loved ones.
“However, we still have a long journey ahead to reach our £1.5 million target.
“With your ongoing support, we can turn our vision of creating a brighter future for those who will come through the doors of the new BEACH Building into a reality.”
Since launching in April this year, The BEACH Appeal has seen support from individuals, local businesses and community groups.
Highlights include:
- Hot Radio raising £7,377 as listeners, workers and fans walked 10km at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity’s Walk for Wards in September.
- Poole Town Football Club and the Poole Centenary Club hosting a race night to fundraise for the future Children’s Health Department in the BEACH Building.
This year’s Christchurch Christmas Lights Switch On will also raise funds for items to specifically benefit the new Emergency Department and Children’s Health Departments.