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Search the Public Notice PortalQueen's Hospital's A&E department in Romford is set for a major refurbishment under new plans - here is what we know at this stage.
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust (BHRUT) has put forward proposals for the "complete reconfiguration" of the Queen's emergency department as it aims to accommodate "projected increases in patient numbers".
The planning application, submitted to Havering Council on May 1, details proposed changes including a new main entrance, a rooftop plant and enclosure, and internal works to to streamline patient flow through the wards.
Below is a breakdown of some of the key points in the plans.
New main entrance and rooftop plant
A key part of the application is a new main entrance for Queen's A&E, created via an infill extension outside the current maternity ward.
This is proposed to be the main walk-in access point, serving both the emergency and maternity departments, as well as housing the children's emergency waiting, triage and reception area.
However, the existing ambulance entrance will be kept the same, around the other side of the building.
A new rooftop plant and an enclosure is also planned on top of the A&E in order to "support the upgraded clinical environment".
Proposed internal layout
A "sizable amount" of internal works are also planned for the department, but do not technically form part of the application as they are internal only.
Despite this, they are outlined in the planning documents, with key changes to the A&E layout as follows:
- RAFT (Rapid Assessment for Treatment) - Moved to where resuscitation currently is and will be accessed immediately off the hospital street. Will feature six cubicles and and two chairs, with a dedicated mental health section.
- Resuscitation - 12 bays planned for what is currently Majors A.
- Adult emergency department - 25 cubicles and 19 reclining chairs proposed for a large section at the front of the department, near the new main entrance.
- Children's emergency department - Will stay in the same place but with a small extension as part of the new entrance.
Aims of the plans
According to the design and access statement, the proposals have been designed to "accommodate projected increases in patient numbers and streamline arrival processes", as well as improve wayfinding throughout the building.
Agent Hunters said in the statement: "Queen's Hospital emergency department requires complete reconfiguration to ensure that the clinical pathways for patients arriving by ambulance, or self-presenting as "walk ins" are optimised.
"This in turn will ensure that the space available is suitable for patients and staff and is able to flex for the population demand and growth both now and in the future."
Next steps
Havering Council is expected to make a decision on the refurbishment plans by July 31.
Funding is still needed to make the proposals a reality, but BHRUT chief executive Matthew Trainer previously told the Recorder he is "confident" the hospital will receive this.
