THE first phase of a £35million redevelopment of St Ann’s Hospital at Poole has been “topped out” in a ceremony held at the cliff-top site.

The event, which marked the roof being put on, was hosted jointly by the local NHS Trust, Dorset HealthCare and its construction partner, Integrated Health Projects.

Planning permission was granted by the borough’s planner in February to improve and update the existing mental health facilities on the site and work began in June.

The redevelopment will provide more privacy and dignity for patients, through the creation of four new wards and the refurbishment of an out-dated ward block.

“When completed, the project will see a vast improvement in current facilities at St Ann’s Hospital, which no longer meet modern healthcare standards,” said James Barton, director of mental health services.

“Although we provide the majority of our care in the community, the redevelopment will create single room accommodation in a therapeutic and uplifting environment for those that do need our inpatient services.”

The redevelopment includes a new two storey building with one 16-bed and one 14-bed ward, assessment, treatment and support rooms.

It is expected to be completed next summer, with subsequent phases to follow.

Plans include the refurbishment of a 1980s block and two new buildings designed by Nightingale Associates, sharing the site with the Grade II listed, 100 year old former sanatorium building which is being preserved.

The original building will be refurbished to provide single en-suite bedrooms. The second new building will have 32 single bedrooms and support facilities.

There will be a new entrance, landscaping and redevelopment of the car park.

Bed numbers will increase by only one from 107 but people with mental health problems will be treated in a modern setting with improved facilities.