Kier starts work on new eating disorders facility in Dorset

Kier has been appointed by NHS Dorset HealthCare University Foundation Trust to deliver a new £8m eating disorders facility in Poole, Dorset. Members of the Trust joined Kier to break ground on this important new purpose-built space that will help to treat patients from the South West of England.

The two-storey 1466m2 building is being constructed within the grounds of St Ann's hospital in Poole, in an area surrounded by woodlands. The new facility will provide accommodation for ten inpatient beds, as well as communal spaces and dedicated clinician rooms.

The project, which was procured through the P22 framework is due to complete in Winter 2023.

Throughout the project build, Kier will work collaboratively with hospital staff and provide updates to the local community.

Mark Norris, regional director of Kier Construction London, South and Strategic Projects, commented: "We understand this is an important new facility that will increase capacity and support the NHS Dorset HealthCare University Foundation Trust and its hospital staff effectively treat patients from Dorset and the south west of England.

"We are proud to have been selected to construct this new building and over the next 18 months, we will utilise our skill and experience to deliver a purpose-built space with first-class facilities."

Dr Ciarán Newell, Consultant Nurse for eating disorders at the Trust, said: "We are absolutely delighted that this project has begun. The current capacity of six beds at our unit doesn't meet demand and, as a result, some patients go to specialist units elsewhere in the country for treatment. We are very pleased that more local people will soon be able to get the care they need and still be close to their friends and family, which can aid their recovery."

Kier has extensive experience within the healthcare sector, with its London, South & Strategic Projects business currently on site delivering a range of schemes, including the £98m transformation of Heathwood Hospital in Surrey and the £8.6m redevelopment of Hythe and Dibden War Memorial Hospital.