UNIVERSITY Hospitals Dorset’s bid to raise £1.5m to buy additional items for its new building in Bournemouth has reached £200,000. 

UHD’s charity has said there has been “tremendous” support from the community to raise funds for its BEACH appeal, named after the new building in Royal Bournemouth Hospital. 

Items needed for the new building include an additional CT scanner in the new emergency department, a wellbeing garden for critically unwell patients, sleep pods for junior doctors and more.  

The building will have new purpose-built facilities for births, emergency, critical care and children's health (BEACH). 

Just three months from launching, the BEACH Appeal is off to a successful start with so many people sharing the vision to enhance UHD’s hospitals and transform healthcare across Dorset. 

Morebus recently shifted its support into high gear by donating £50,000 to The BEACH Appeal following a staff vote, with many drivers expressing their desire to give back to the NHS services that had supported them when they needed it.  

And several dedicated NHS staff along with their loved ones took part in in the first-ever UHD half marathon to raise funds for an additional CT scanner. 

A group of craft-loving ladies known as the Crafting Grannies also showcased their woolly creations to raise awareness and funds for the BEACH building.  

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity fundraising manager Jessica Tyler said: “We can’t thank local businesses like Morebus, as well as our broader community enough for their fantastic support for The BEACH Appeal so far. 

“Thanks to you, we’ve reached a fantastic £200,000 milestone in our mission to ensure the BEACH Building has all the extras it needs to take our healthcare into the future – above and beyond what the NHS will fund.  

“It is so inspiring to see everyone come together to back the BEACH because they share a goal of making a real difference in how care is provided at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. 

“Your generosity and commitment are investments in a brighter future for everyone in Dorset and the surrounding areas. We still have £1.3million to go, and your continued support is crucial, but this remarkable achievement brings us one step closer to our £1.5million goal. 

“Every donation, no matter the size makes all the difference. Together, we can transform care for Dorset by making a significant impact on our healthcare services, which are always there for our friends, families and neighbours. 

“If this article has inspired you to support our local hospitals, please do drop me an email on UHD.charity@uhd.nhs.uk.”