THE new Jigsaw Building at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital has been hailed a success after receiving its first patients.

The multi-million pound facility, providing a new home for the hospital's cancer and women's health departments, was funded with the help of more than £2,000,000 in donations from the public.

On the ground floor, state-of-the-art facilities for the treatment of cancer and blood disorders include a large chemotherapy treatment area with ten bays, where patients can vary the level of privacy according to their requirements.

On the first floor the women's health unit is able to provide patients with diagnostic tests, including ultrasound and x-rays, immediately after their initial assessment.

Cancer care matron Marie Miller said the building provided considerably more space in treatment and waiting areas and for staff, with advantages in privacy and piece of mind for patients.

"It will greatly reduce stress levels for everyone," she said.

"The number of patients using these services is increasing and this building will allow capacity to increase alongside it."

Consultant surgeon Tony Skene added: "Not only are numbers going up but more patients are benefitting from the treatment and living longer.

"The women's health department is a one-stop diagnostic visit, people can to come in and get a clinical assessment, x-ray, ultrasound or biopsy all in the same visit.

"The facility is designed around what patients need."

The design of the building followed an extensive public consultation process and includes many features suggested by patients, including Wi-Fi, counselling rooms, artwork and easy access to parking.

Trust chief executive Tony Spotswood has said the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group's ongoing Clinical Services Review, which may see the hospital tasked as a primary 'emergency' or 'planned care' centre for the county, will not impact on the services provided at the new building.

It was funded through two 'Jigsaw Appeals' and donations to the Bournemouth Hospital Charity, as well as NHS investment.

Funds are also being raised for an orchard garden for patients outside the chemo treatment area, with another £150,000 required.

To find out more about the Jigsaw Building and the garden project visit www.bournemouthhospitalcharity.org.