WORK on the new accident and emergency department at Royal Bournemouth Hospital is under way - with a promise to minimise disruption.

In a letter to neighbours of the Castle Lane hospital. chief executive of University Hospitals Dorset, Debbie Fleming, has written to let them know they will be receiving regular updates on the building works at RBH.

The project is part of an overall £250m reorganisation of NHS services across Dorset.

It will see RBH become the main centre for emergency care, whilst at the same time Poole Hospital will become the main centre for planned treatment in the region.

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The scheme will see the construction of The BEACH Building (standing for Births, Emergency care, And, Critical care and child Health), housing a new emergency department, maternity and children’s unit and critical care unit.

Other developments include a purpose-designed pathology hub providing a modern, flexible testing capacity.

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Ms Fleming said: “The construction work is already underway with completion planned for 2024.

“Our principal partner for this extensive project is Integrated Health Projects (IHP).

“IHP focuses on the delivery of healthcare infrastructure schemes and are, like other constructors we use, active members of the Considerate Constructors Scheme.”

Members of this scheme commit to cause the least amount of undue disturbance, inconvenience, or stress for neighbours during the construction period - for example, by minimising the impact of deliveries, parking and work on any public highway as well as ensuring most of the works are undertaken during working hours.

Ms Fleming added: “Looking back over the past year, we have been uplifted by all the messages of thanks from our neighbours and local community. Please be assured that we shall continue to do everything possible to minimise disruption as we take forward this major development programme.”