The specialist stroke care unit at Christchurch hospital may move after just under 10 years to the Royal Bournemouth. The award-winning unit was opened following a £500,000 public appeal.

Hospital bosses want to build a new acute stroke care ward located at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital at Castle Lane site under proposals put forward. Due to open in 2011 this unit would require the movement of the rehabilitation unit at Christchurch to Bournemouth making way for the relocation of the outdated H wards and include improvements to the Macmillan cancer care section, outpatients and day care services.

Tony Spotiswood, chief executive of the Royal Bournemouth & Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and a nine member working party drew up the proposals last Summer which is at the moment at consultation stage. He will address a public meeting in Christchurch on the 5th February at 2pm in the council meeting chamber.

"Christchurch hospital has a unique role to play and will continue to do so, offering a broad range of services from the site! said Mr. Spotiswood.

The working party considered a number of options, from no change to moving all inpatient beds to Bournemouth but settled for the present proposal subject to consultation and the case for funding.

Sue Bungey, working party member and former Christchurch mayoress said that the project group felt it be the best option taking into account changes that needed to addressed to meet government guidelines on patient care and accommodation. She emphasised that concerned people should read the consultation document and attend the public meeting in February.