Queen’s Hospital wins £42.1m overhaul for overstretched emergency department

Queen’s Hospital in Romford has secured £42.1 million to transform its accident and emergency department after almost two years of campaigning by the trust, local communities and health leaders.

The existing A&E opened in 2006 and was designed to receive around 325 patients a day. It now regularly treats more than twice that number, leaving patients and staff in an overcrowded department that the trust says is no longer fit for purpose.

The redevelopment will provide dedicated waiting areas, clearer visibility so staff can monitor patients and a layout designed to improve movement through the department. The entrance will also be brought considerably closer to the hospital’s main entrance, while children’s A&E will gain a dedicated resuscitation area and improved space for young patients who become distressed.

Enhanced digital systems are also planned, with the trust exploring a collaboration with UCL Partners. The government said the project should help reduce waiting times and corridor care while improving safety, dignity and working conditions.

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