Land next to Royal Bournemouth Hospital has been secured to support future emergency and planned care services across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
University Hospitals Dorset has completed the purchase of the remaining Wessex Fields site from BCP Council, at a time when Royal Bournemouth Hospital is becoming the area’s major emergency hospital and Poole Hospital is set to focus on planned care.
The trust says the land will be used immediately for temporary additional parking, helping patients, visitors and staff, while longer term plans are developed to support changing hospital services and growing demand across the local health system.
Feasibility work into geo thermal energy is planned for next year, exploring whether the site could provide a reliable local heat source, alongside proposals for homes for key workers to support recruitment, retention and reduced traffic by allowing staff to live close to work.
Other healthcare related uses will also be considered as part of a wider masterplan, including education and research facilities, with University Hospitals Dorset saying the site will play a key role in delivering future benefits for local people.
Chief Executive Siobhan Harrington said the land would support the next stages of improving care, while Councillor Mike Cox said the sale would bring investment, regeneration and health benefits for residents across the area.
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