Thanks to a major investment from the Trust and a generous donation of more than £200K from the hospital’s League of Friends Charity, the ED underwent a remarkable transformation last year.
In the past decade people arriving at the Emergency Department at The QEH have increased by more than 50%. This is currently an average of 220 patients per day currently compared to 120 per day 10 years ago. In the last year alone, nearly 4,000 ambulances arrived at the department – an increase of 14% compared to the year before.
The upgrades included expanded space for ambulance handovers and a streamlined area for walk-in patients to be triaged, seen, and treated efficiently. The revamped department also introduced dedicated side rooms, designed specifically to cater to patients with mental health conditions, as well as additional facilities specially deigned for children needing emergency care.
A holistic approach was used to ensure that patients receive the comprehensive care they need in a safe and welcoming environment.
Since the department’s reopening, patient feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Insights gathered through the anonymous Friends and Family Test highlight significant improvements in the quality of care and overall experience. Some of the standout comments include:
- “Excellent, efficient and friendly staff. Amazing facility.”
- “The look and feel is completely different, and the staff were very helpful, professional and friendly.”
- “I was seen in a very good time, and everyone was really nice, I felt reassured and received very good advice, the service was excellent.”
Simon Illingworth, Chief Operating Officer at the Trust, said: “It’s now been a year since we opened the doors to our much-improved ED. This area was designed in collaboration with our clinical staff who understand the needs of our patients best.
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the teams working in the ED for their unwavering commitment to providing the very best patient experience possible. The positive feedback we receive from multiple sources underscores the vital role superb facilities play in delivering outstanding care.”
As The QEH looks forward to the future, it remains dedicated to continuously enhancing the services provide. The ongoing success of the Emergency Department is a testament to the collaborative efforts of staff, the Trust, and community partners.
Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
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