An enhanced unit, which will reduce waiting times for gynaecology patients, has been officially opened at Poole Hospital.
The Harbourside Ambulatory Gynaecology Centre provides a range of outpatient clinics for patients in east Dorset. It has undergone an extensive refurbishment to provide additional treatment bays and access to specialist gynaecology services, with the aim of reducing anxiety for patients.
The 10-week renovation is part of a £1 million investment programme at the hospital, financed by national capital funding from NHS Improvement, to increase capacity and flow by reconfiguring several departments.
The refurbished centre was first opened to patients on 4 February 2019 and was officially opened at an event which took place on 15 March 2019.
Sally Taylor, BBC South Today presenter, officially opened the facility and said: “To come today and to have something so positive to talk about is very special for me and I’m really grateful that you’ve asked me to come,” said Sally.
“It’s always the staff who make a place special but when the environment is improved – and that is certainly the case here – it does make a difference.
“The future looks great and I’ll know you’ll be going from strength-to-strength.”
Benita Fillingham, the unit’s sister who led the team during the development, said: “It has been a privilege to lead such a passionate team through this exciting new development of gynaecology services.
“The team now looks forward to increasing its activity further to meet the growing demand for our specialist services.
“These latest improvements will provide the women of Dorset with expert gynaecology services in a dedicated, purpose-built unit providing patients with faster access to treatment and an improved experience.”
Debbie Fleming, chief executive, Mr Tim Hillard, clinical lead for gynaecology, Patricia Reid, director of nursing, as well many of the unit’s staff, were in attendance at the event.
