The new maternity, neonatal and emergency gynaecology units at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, will officially open at 8am on 31 March 2025.

The BEACH Building based state-of-the-art maternity and neonatal unit brings the latest amenities and exceptional care to parents in east Dorset. It will offer everything parents need for a smooth journey from pregnancy to birth and beyond. The UHD team are focused on making sure parents-to-be and their families feel comfortable, safe, and well taken care of. With best-in-class equipment and a dedicated team, the maternity and neonatal team are ready to welcome over 4,400 babies a year into this modern, welcoming environment.

In addition, all emergency gynaecology and early pregnancy services will also be moving to RBH on 31 March.

Parking for those in labour or requiring urgent care will be available directly outside the BEACH Building. For routine appointments, patients are advised to use the designated patient car park, which is clearly signposted. In addition, a support person will be permitted to stay for the duration of admission, ensuring families can benefit from a more comfortable and supportive experience.

A small number of mothers and babies will require already arranged enhanced care transfer from St Mary’s Maternity Unit to the BEACH Building as part of this transition. We are not anticipating emergency ambulance transfers will be required during the move period from St Mary's to the BEACH. 

While every effort will be made to minimise disruption, no transfers will take place during labour. Any individuals affected will be fully informed, and plans will be coordinated to ensure a smooth transition.

Commenting on the announcement, Sarah Herbert, UHD’s Chief Nursing Officer, said:

“This relocation marks a significant advancement in maternity, neonatal and emergency gynaecology services, providing modern, state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance the experience for parents and newborns.”

“With improved amenities, including provisions for a support person to remain throughout the stay, our new units represent a commitment to delivering the highest standard of care.”

“The team are looking forward to welcoming expectant parents and families to our new facilities from the 31 March.”

All emergency gynaecology and early pregnancy services will also be moving to RBH from Monday 31 March. Anyone self-presenting with a suspected gynaecology issue should attend RBH not Poole.

Further information

• Until this date, all maternity care will continue to be provided at St Mary’s Maternity Unit. From the morning of 31 March, all maternity services will be delivered from the new facility.
• The BEACH Building is a 22,650m², six-storey facility dedicated to patient care. In addition to the new maternity and neonatal unit, it includes a children’s unit, an enhanced emergency department, and a larger critical care facility.
• The move is part of the plan to focus all emergency care at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, providing better, faster care for everyone. This will mean fewer patient transfers between hospitals, less stress on the county’s ambulance service, and better outcomes for expecting parents and their babies.
• Further information and updates are available via ‘Born at the BEACH’ – Maternity Matters Dorset: The BEACH building – Maternity Matters Dorset