University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

The University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust is a National Health Service NHS foundation trust that provides healthcare services in the county of Dorset, England. It was established to manage and operate several hospitals in the region, ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services to the local population.

History

The University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust was formed on 1 October 2020, following the merger of the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. This strategic merger was aimed at consolidating resources, improving service delivery, and enhancing patient care across the region.

Hospitals

The Trust operates three main hospitals:

• Royal Bournemouth Hospital: Located in Bournemouth, this hospital provides a wide range of services including emergency care, surgery, and specialist medical treatments.

• Poole Hospital: Situated in Poole, it offers comprehensive healthcare services with a focus on maternity, paediatrics, and cancer care.

• Christchurch Hospital: Although smaller, this hospital provides important services such as rehabilitation and outpatient care.

Services

The Trust offers a variety of healthcare services, including but not limited to:

• Emergency care
• Surgery
• Maternity and neonatal services
• Cancer treatment and care
• Cardiology
• Orthopaedics
• Geriatric medicine

Research and Education

As a teaching trust, University Hospitals Dorset is involved in medical research and the education of future healthcare professionals. It collaborates with local universities and research institutions to advance medical knowledge and improve patient outcomes.

Governance

The Trust is governed by a Board of Directors, which includes executive and non-executive members. The Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Trust and ensuring that it meets its objectives in providing high-quality healthcare services.

Community Engagement

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust actively engages with the local community through various outreach programs and initiatives. It seeks to involve patients and the public in decision-making processes to ensure that services meet the needs of the community.

Future Developments

The Trust is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in healthcare delivery. Future plans include the expansion of facilities, the introduction of new technologies, and the enhancement of patient care pathways.

Related pages

• NHS foundation trust
• Healthcare in England
• List of hospitals in England