A new Main Operating Base for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is being built in Dorset and will replace the Bournemouth and Wimborne ambulance stations, alongside consolidating operational teams from St Leonards.
The new site, which began construction in spring this year, is due to be completed by autumn. A steel signing ceremony to mark progress on the project was held on Friday 25 July.
The facility is part of a wider programme to modernise infrastructure across the region and is designed to improve response times, efficiency and working conditions for staff. There will be no interruption to emergency services during the changeover.
Staff will benefit from improved welfare and training areas, while clinical crews are expected to spend less time on non-patient duties, helping to increase the focus on frontline care.
Andrew Rosser from the ambulance trust said the new site would “enhance operational capabilities” and “improve safety and service quality”.
Rob Speirs from construction company Stepnell said the base had been designed to meet the complex needs of emergency services and would create long-term value for the local community.