POOLE Hospital wants to build a new main entrance to replace an existing structure which ‘compromises patient dignity and safety’.

Plans have been submitted for the scheme, which would see a “statement” building replace the courtyard entrance and sheltered link corridor. Three new retail units – a café, convenience store and gift shop – and a “large and airy reception and waiting area” form part of the proposals, as well as a patient drop-off point at the entrance.

A first floor circulation link would form part of the new entrance, which will connect the main hospital building, the Dorset Cancer Centre, and the Philip Arnold ward.

Bowman Riley Architects, which has drawn up the proposals for Poole Hospital, say there is currently “no obvious single main entrance for the visitor”. The planned building will provide visitors with a “focal point and single way of entry”.

“Patient dignity and safety is compromised as transfers (including ambulant, bed and wheelchair) between the three buildings are presently facilitated by way of an unheated poly-glazed link tunnel,” the architects explain in a design and access statement.

They add: “In addition, the existing catering and retail provision on-site is not consummate with the requirements of a large district hospital. Not only is the hospital site under-catered for its daily populace, but all the existing catering and retail units are located in disparate areas solely within the main building, requiring patients, visitors and staff from the cancer centre and Philip Arnold wing to traverse the courtyard, should they require any refreshments.”

The plans include a “full suite” of public toilets. The three retail units will create around 15 new jobs. The existing restaurant in the main hospital building will remain.

Architects state the “retail-led proposal” would not require any capital investment from the NHS Foundation Trust and would return a “modest annual income stream which would be beneficial to the Trust”.

The proposed new patient drop-off point will have four bays and an additional set-down lane, as well as a non-emergency ambulance drop-off. Some displaced disabled parking spaces would be re-located to level G in the multi-storey car park.

Debbie Fleming, chief executive Poole Hospital, said: "This really is an exciting development for Poole Hospital, and our staff are delighted by the news.

"The proposed new front entrance includes a single-storey build – covering the current entrances 6, 7, and 8 – which will link the main hospital to the Philip Arnold Unit.  In this way, it will be easier to transfer patients across the hospital, with more privacy, dignity and respect.

"The new front entrance will provide a clear focus point for the hospital -  a new, modern reception area with a range of facilities, including a suite of public rest rooms and three retail outlets.  By entering the hospital in this way, patients and visitors will find it easier to navigate their way around the hospital site.

"This development will make a huge difference to our patients, visitors and staff, ahead of the significant estates works that will be taking place at a later date, as part we implement the recommendations of the Dorset CCG’s clinical services review."

The entrance is scheduled to open in spring 2019, subject to planning permission and detailed design work.