THIS is the first look at Christchurch Hospital after a £15 million project to transform the site into the county’s first health hub.

The multimillion pound works began in 2013 after the Christchurch community rallied together to secure NHS services at the Fairmile site.

Christchurch Health Hub now boasts a new entrance, revamped departments, a new GP Grove Surgery, a pharmacy and community clinics. There is also a private nursing home Fairmile Grange and assisted living accommodation on the site owned by the hospital trust.

Charity Macmillan Caring Locally, which runs the Macmillan Unit there has also recently announced plans for a £9 million rebuild for a purpose-built palliative care unit.

In 2010, more than 6,500 people signed a petition after launching a Save Our Services at Christchurch Hospital campaign after fears the hospital would close.

Now it boasts an outpatients unit, a day hospital providing specialist assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for older people and a new X-ray/ultrasound suite. Other services on the site include dermatology, pathology, therapy department and rheumatology.

Cathy Marsden, project coordinator, explained work included demolishing two of the old buildings, the former workhouse infirmaries H Block and G Block.

She said: “We have done a redesign of the whole hospital to make it into a community hub.”

The health hub will open its doors to members of the public on Friday, June 9 from 2pm until 4pm for an official opening ceremony by the Mayor of Christchurch Cllr Nick Geary.

Richard Renaut, chief operating officer at the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Christchurch Health Hub simply wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the fantastic support of the community, who rallied behind the project with their petition.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who believed in Christchurch Hospital and helped campaign to make the redevelopment happen.

“As a thank you and celebration of the new look hospital, we’re inviting the people of Christchurch to join us for the official opening. We also want to thank the local community and our supportive staff for their patience and understanding during the works.”

The celebration, which is free to attend, will include department tours, a number of information stands, Christchurch Hospital through the ages on display, and health talks including ‘What is arthritis and how is it treated?’ by Dr Neil Hopkinson at 2.20pm and ‘Cherishing the skin you’re in’ by Dr Ian Pearson at 3.15pm.

To book on the health talks call 01202 704394.