Queen’s Hospital in Romford has secured £42.1 million to rebuild its overstretched accident and emergency department.
The funding is the largest single allocation in a £140 million government package for urgent care announced ahead of what ministers describe as a “tough” winter for the NHS.
The hospital’s A&E was built to see around 325 patients a day but now regularly treats more than twice that number, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.
What the money will buy
The investment will create a modern emergency department with improved patient flow, dedicated waiting areas, better visibility for staff to monitor patients, a refurbished children’s A&E and enhanced digital systems.
The improvements had been the focus of a campaign led by local families and Margaret Mullane, the Labour MP for Dagenham and Rainham.
Fiona Wheeler, interim chair of the trust, said the redevelopment would “restore dignity” and “improve safety” for patients.
“This is a landmark moment for our residents and our staff,” she said. “The £42m 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.”
Part of wider investment
The £42.1 million is part of a £140 million boost for 14 urgent-care schemes across England, announced by Health Secretary Yvette Cooper.
As part of the wider package, emergency departments across London will share £18.4 million over three years for digital check-in and triage tools.
The trust had previously faced financial challenges, with outgoings running “£2 million to £3 million a month more than we can afford”, according to former chief executive Matthew Trainer.
For more on health in London, see our coverage of the NHS junior doctors’ strike.
