University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity’s BEACH Appeal has now reached £200,000 towards its fundraising target of £1.5 million to help transform care for Dorset.
This is thanks to the tremendous support received from the local community to raise funds for additional items to help enhance the care provided from the new BEACH building at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
These items include an additional CT scanner in the new Emergency Department, a wellbeing garden for critically unwell patients, sleep pods for junior doctors and more.
The building will have new purpose-built facilities for Births, Emergency, Critical Care and Children’s Health (BEACH).
Just three months from launching, The BEACH Appeal is off to a successful start with so many people sharing the vision to enhance our local hospitals and transform healthcare across Dorset.
For example, local bus operator, Morebus recently shifted its support for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity into high gear by donating £50,000 to The BEACH Appeal. Earlier this year, the local bus operator selected University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity as its charity of the year for 2024/2025 following a staff vote, with many drivers expressing their desire to give back to the NHS services that had supported them when they needed it.
NHS staff, community groups, and individuals across the region have also backed the appeal, showing the power of unity in working towards the shared goal of improving healthcare for our community.
For example, several dedicated NHS colleagues and their loved ones participated in the first-ever UHD Half Marathon to raise funds for an additional CT scanner in the BEACH Building’s new Emergency Department.
A group of craft-loving ladies known as the Crafting Grannies also showcased their lovely woolly creations to raise awareness and funds for the BEACH Building. This colourful display of solidarity inspired other businesses in the Crafting Grannies’ local area to learn more about The BEACH Appeal.
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity Fundraising Manager, Jessica Tyler, said: “We can’t thank local businesses like Morebus, as well as our broader community enough for their fantastic support for The BEACH Appeal so far.
“Thanks to you, we’ve reached a fantastic £200,000 milestone in our mission to ensure the BEACH Building has all the extras it needs to take our healthcare into the future – above and beyond what the NHS will fund.
“It is so inspiring to see everyone come together to back the BEACH because they share a goal of making a real difference in how care is provided at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
“Your generosity and commitment are investments in a brighter future for everyone in Dorset and the surrounding areas. We still have £1.3million to go, and your continued support is crucial, but this remarkable achievement brings us one step closer to our £1.5million goal.
“Every donation, no matter the size makes all the difference. Together, we can transform care for Dorset by making a significant impact on our healthcare services, which are always there for our friends, families and neighbours.
“If this article has inspired you to support our local hospitals, please do drop me an email on UHD.charity@uhd.nhs.uk.”
If you would like to fundraise, donate or spread the word about The BEACH Appeal, visit UHDcharity.org/beachappeal to learn more and see how you can support this fantastic appeal.
