How You Can Help

Building a better future for Poole Hospital

Poole Hospital is asking local people for their views on its proposals to become a NHS Foundation Trust.

Poole was granted Department of Health approval to apply to become a NHS Foundation Trust last month and began a three period of public consultation from Monday 6 November 2006 until Friday 2 February 2007.

During the consultation period the hospital is holding a number of open meetings throughout Poole, Bournemouth and Dorset. In addition, hospital chiefs will visit groups and organisations to explain what being a Foundation Trust will mean for local people and to listen to their views.

Sue Sutherland, Chief Executive, said:

"Poole Hospital has an excellent track record. We ended last year with all our clinical standards and targets met and our finances in balance. At Poole, we pride ourselves on our friendly and professional approach to providing care that is centred on patients. Now we want to involve local communities, patients and staff much more closely in the development of the hospital. We believe that becoming a NHS Foundation Trust will give us the freedom and flexibilities we need to build a better future for Poole Hospital and the people we serve."

During the consultation, Poole Hospital hopes to hear from people living across Dorset. Although the hospital mainly serves the 272,000 people living in Poole, East Dorset and Purbeck, it also provides a broad range of services for a wider catchment area, including Bournemouth and Christchurch. In addition, it is the Cancer Centre for Dorset and provides specialist services, such as oral surgery and neurological care, for the whole of Dorset. The hospital therefore wants to attract members from across the county.

Peter Harvey, Chairman, said:

"We would like to hear from as many people as possible so that we can be sure that our plans reflect the views of local people. We also hope that as many of you as possible will join us as members and help make sure that Poole Hospital continues to develop excellent services that are in line with local needs."

If you would like to know more about Poole Hospital’s proposals to become a Foundation Trust – or if you would like someone to come to talk to your group or organisation – contact Pauline Malins, Interim Director of Communications and Marketing 01202 448745 or pauline.malins@poole.nhs.uk

Consultation ends on Friday 2 February 2007 – it is important we have your views before then. Come along to one of the public meetings

You can also register your interest to become a member by completing the form online or download the form below and return it to the address below. The form will open in a new window. You will need to Adobe PDF Reader and have access to a printer.

Return your completed application form to:

Freepost BH66
Foundation Trust Office
Churchfield House
Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Longfleet Road
Poole Dorset
BH15 2BR