THE women’s health unit at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital closed last week, and its patients have been moved to the urology-gynaecology ward.

The closure has been planned since the beginning of the year, when women’s health in-patients were temporarily transferred to a converted section of the maternity ward while the hospital coped with increased seasonal bed requirements.

Back in March a nurse, who wished to remain anonymous, approached the Daily Echo with concerns that such patients might end up in mixed wards, causing distress and a loss of dignity.

However, the trust says they will be treated in single-sex bays and will receive a consistent level of service from specialist staff.

Richard Renaut, director of service development, said: “The number of gynaecological patients who require overnight stays is small.

“These patients will now be cared for in single-sex bays in the urology-gynaecology ward, where the nursing staff are highly experienced and qualified in providing the specific care that our gynaecological patients require.

“The number of breast care patients who need to stay overnight in hospital has also reduced. Where clinically-indicated, these patients will continue to be cared for in side rooms, ensuring privacy while they recover from their procedures.

“Quality of care for our patients will be unaffected by this move.”

The trust’s new Jigsaw Building, which recently received planning permission, focuses on providing improved day case and outpatient services.

It will include a women’s health unit for such patients, and centralise the appropriate facilities to save them time-consuming journeys around the hospital.