HUNDREDS of people took a tour around Christchurch Hospital following a £15million project to transform the site into the county’s first health hub.

Mayor of Christchurch Cllr Nick Geary and Mayoress Gillian Geary officially opened the new-look hospital, which was redeveloped after the Christchurch community rallied to secure NHS services at the Fairmile site in 2013.

Members of the public were given the opportunity to see the health hub’s new facilities on Friday, June 9, which include a dedicated outpatient and x-ray department.

The hospital also 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.

The opening afternoon included a barbecue for staff and residents living next to the site, entertainment from staff band On the Nash and Christchurch Rock Choir, as well as informative health talks and tours of hospital departments.

A ‘history of Christchurch Hospital’ stand proved particularly popular, with many locals recognising the varying facades of the building.

Cllr Geary said: “Christchurch Hospital has always been an important part of our community, as demonstrated by the overwhelming support for the plans back in 2013.

“It really is humbling to stand here within a state of the art facility, which isn’t just your average outpatients’ hospital, it’s also a doctor’s surgery, a pharmacy, an older persons’ home and a place of sanctuary for those coming to the very end of their lives. Here’s to the great work that goes on here and long may it continue.”

Tony Spotswood, chief executive for the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals, added: I’m so proud of this redevelopment – a development we weren’t sure would ever even happen.

“I remember back in 2013 when the local community began the petition to make this fantastic new hospital a reality. They believed in the services offered here, and it’s because of that belief we are able to celebrate the official opening.

“Thank you to the community for standing by your local services. Thank you for the immediate community for putting up with the disruption the redevelopment caused over the last four years. Last, and certainly not least, thank you to the staff here for putting up with the changes and inconvenience of relocating your services during the redevelopment. You’ve shown professionalism and agility in adapting to the changes.”