UNIVERSITY Hospitals Dorset has started the first phase into a £91million state-of-the-art ward and catering block.

Construction has begun on Royal Bournemouth Hospital's Coast Building, a new project that will expand patient capacity and elevate the trust’s services.

The new building will feature 110 new beds across four levels, a larger kitchen and catering facility, and adaptable spaces designed to meet advanced healthcare needs.

The facility also proves a commitment to sustainability with renewable energy supported by solar panels.

The building’s name was chosen following a consultation with the hospital's staff.

They agreed the new build captures the spirit of on the hospital trust's coastal identity - representing a welcoming ‘hospital by the sea’.

The launch was celebrated with an appearance from Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes and Darren Crook CBE, the programme delivery director of the New Hospital Programme leading the project.

Siobhan Harrington, chief executive at University Hospitals Dorset, said: “This project is an exciting step forward for our hospitals and the communities we serve across Dorset.”

“The Coast Building will not only increase our capacity to care for patients but also reinforce our commitment to providing a modern, adaptable, and sustainable healthcare environment.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone involved in bringing this vision to life.”

Darren Crook CBE, programme delivery director at New Hospital Programme, said: “It has been an absolute privilege to mark the official start of construction works for these important new facilities - a huge thank you to all those involved in helping the Royal Bournemouth hospital, including those within the wider New Hospital Programme, achieve this important and major milestone.”

Nick Dawe, director of strategy and transformation at Darwin Group, added: “It’s been a pleasure to witness the first spade in the ground at Royal Bournemouth Hospital and to hear about the positive impact these new facilities will bring to patient care and staff experience.

“We’re excited to continue our close collaboration with the trust to complete this project successfully.”

The construction work has also been devised to reduce disruption to the site over the duration of the project and is planned to open towards the end of 2025.

The new build was launched at a ceremony on November 6 at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.