FOLLOWING a long decision process Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust today announced their new Trust name.

When they formally merge next year they'll be known as East Dorset Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The name was chosen following suggestions from staff, governors and patients.

Joint Chairman, David Moss, said: “Our two trusts need to merge in order to take forwards our ambitious transformation programme, which will deliver significant benefits for patients in our region. Agreeing our new name is an important milestone, and represents a very significant step in bringing our two organisations together.

"Our clinical teams have been working closely together to design the future model of services and have started developing their integration plans. Now that we know the new name, this will give a greater focus to our work, and assist us in creating a positive future together.”

Joint Chief Executive, Debbie Fleming, said: “We are so proud of both organisations and their reputation for delivering safe, high quality care. Both are held in high esteem by our local community and highly regarded by our regulators. Thanks to everyone who provided feedback and took part in this work to choose our new name.”

Traditionalists will be happy to know that each hospital site will retain its individual name, so there will still be Poole Hospital, Christchurch Hospital and The Royal Bournemouth Hospital but the hospitals will all be united under one banner as the East Dorset Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.