Construction firm Stepnell has been appointed to deliver a new Main Operating Base (MOB) for the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), with completion expected this autumn.

The state-of-the-art facility, being developed by healthcare construction specialists from Stepnell's Southampton office, will become a central hub for emergency services in the region. The project is part of SWASFT's wider strategy to modernise its infrastructure through a network of new MOBs, upgraded ambulance stations, and expanded community ambulance points.

The Dorset MOB will consolidate operations and staff from existing sites in Bournemouth, Wimborne, and St Leonards, improving coordination and efficiency across the region. In addition to housing ambulance vehicle operations, the facility will include enhanced training and welfare spaces for staff, as well as a design layout that helps reduce administrative burdens on frontline workers—allowing them to focus on delivering urgent patient care.

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Rob Speirs, Regional Director at Stepnell, said: "With extensive experience delivering healthcare infrastructure across the South West, we understand what it takes to build spaces that meet the complex needs of frontline services. Our work on this project ensures that ambulance crews have the right environment to effectively deliver emergency care for Dorset and wider communities.

"This main operating base consolidates operations - making a real difference to the lives of people across the South West. The final build, alongside our comprehensive social value delivery, will create substantial local spend and deliver further opportunities for the community, which will have a lasting impact for generations to come."