South West

Redeveloping St Ann’s Hospital

The first phase of a £35 million project to redevelop St Ann’s Hospital in Poole has reached completion.

The £7.6 million phase was implemented by Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust. The aim of the redevelopment is to provide more privacy for patients, through the creation of new wards and the update and improvement of an existing ward.

Built in 1912, St Anne’s Hospital has been caring for people living with mental health problems for more than a century. Planning permission for the redevelopment project was granted by the borough’s planner in February 2012, with work getting underway in June of the same year.

Work ran smoothly on the project, with a topping out ceremony taking place in December 2012. The event was hosted by the local NHS Trust, Dorset HealthCare and Integrated Health Projects.

Phase One comprised the creation of one 16-bed and one 14-bed ward, along with assessment, treatment and support rooms. Additional phases on the redevelopment project include the refurbishment of a 1970s building, alongside the creation of a new building which includes 32 single bedrooms and associated facilities. A new entrance, some landscaping and the redevelopment of an existing car park will round out the project.

Although bed numbers are only increasing by one (107 to 108) the facilities provided by the redevelopment will be vastly improved. Patients living with mental health problems will now be treated in a modern environment that is designed specifically to cater for their needs.

Nightingale Associates is the architectural practice on the redevelopment of St Ann’s Hospital, whilst Vinci Construction and joint venture partner, IHP Healthcare Services are the main contractors on the project.

During the works the hospital remained open and every measure was taken to ensure disturbance was kept to a minimum.

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust provides integrated community health and mental health services across a range of locations throughout Dorset. The Trust serves a population of almost 700,000 and with an income of approximately £200 million employs around 5,000 members of staff.

For more information, please visit: www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk

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