Maternity services at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital have been rated “requires improvement” following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission.
The inspection took place in September and was the first since services moved into the hospital’s new BEACH building in March 2025.
The purpose-built facility provides antenatal, triage, birth and postnatal care under one roof.
Inspectors said while staff were dedicated and compassionate, the service was struggling to manage risks effectively in the new environment.
The categories of “safe” and “well-led” were downgraded to requires improvement.
However, the areas of “effective”, “caring” and “responsive” were all rated good.
The report highlighted delays in triaging patients, an often unstaffed maternity advice line and staffing pressures affecting planned procedures.
Concerns were also raised about policies and infrastructure following the move to the new unit.
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust said improvements were made immediately after the inspection and the team continues to adapt to the new facility.
The maternity unit will remain under review with the regulator planning a follow-up inspection.
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