Landmark moment as Queen’s gets £42m for new A&E
After 22 months of campaigning, conversations, visits, and support from our patients, communities, staff, MPs, and colleagues at North East London ICB and NHS England, we have secured the £42 million we need to transform the A&E at Queen’s Hospital.
For years, the department has been under intense pressure. Originally built in 2006 to care for 325 patients a day, we regularly see more than double that number who are seeking urgent and emergency care.
The reality is that the A&E at Queen’s needs fundamental change to improve the experience of our patients and staff.
Patients struggle to find their way round due to the rabbit warren layout. We have no waiting area; RAFT (rapid assessment and focused treatment) is being used inappropriately due to overcrowding elsewhere; and people have to walk 335 steps from the Queen’s entrance to the adult A&E.
This will reduce to just 50 steps once we have created our modern, fit-for-purpose A&E.
Dedicated waiting areas, better line of sight to monitor patients, improved ‘flow’ of patients as they move through the department, and more natural light are just a few of the improvements we’ll make.
It’s not just our adult patients who will benefit from the funding – we are also transforming our Children’s A&E to create a better environment for our younger patients and their families.
We'll be removing the corridor separating the A&E and the assessment area, bringing them together into one space; implementing a dedicated resuscitation area; and improving space for those who need somewhere to decompress.
We are planning on collaborating with UCL Partners, drawing on their expertise and research, as we explore how we design a digital system for the new department, helping future proof the care we provide.
Fiona Wheeler, Chief Executive (Interim), said:
“This is a landmark moment for our residents and our staff.
“The £42 million allows us to build on the work our teams have already done to improve the service we provide in our A&E, reduce waiting times and the need for corridor care. It will put an end to staff working in cramped conditions and create a better clinical environment.
“A new A&E department will restore dignity, improve safety and create a setting for our teams to deliver the best possible care. We are planning on collaborating with UCL Partners to support further digital innovation.
“We’re looking forward to getting the spades in the ground and transforming our A&E into one we can be proud of.”
If you would like to share your thoughts, or provide feedback, email BHRUT.NewQueensAandE@nhs.net.