Starting on Monday, 23 February 2026, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (UHD) will consolidate all remaining cancer inpatient beds (overnight cancer services) at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in Bournemouth, Dorset. The move is the final part of a major Clinical Services Review reorganisation that designates the Bournemouth site as the region’s principal centre for emergency and complex care.
Residents who need to stay in hospital for cancer treatment — including patients historically admitted to the Dorset Cancer Centre at Poole Hospital — will now be admitted to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital rather than Poole. UHD says outpatient appointments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy will largely remain available at existing local clinics or community hubs.
The trust says the change will give inpatients faster access to specialist teams and critical care if they become acutely unwell. Patients will be closer to the new BEACH Building’s facilities and emergency teams — the BEACH Building at the Royal Bournemouth site was completed and began welcoming patients in 2025.
Families and carers should plan for different travel arrangements: inpatient visiting and parking for these services will be at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (Castle Lane East, BH7 7DW). UHD has warned that the Castle Lane East area can be busy and is advising visitors to check updated travel options and parking information before the change takes effect on 23 February.
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