Demolition work has started at Queen's Hospital in Romford as part of a project to reduce A&E and surgery wait times for patients.
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT), which runs the hospital, yesterday (October 24) announced works for a surgical assessment unit had started to help patients receive quicker treatment.
It includes some demolition in preparation for the unit, which will replace a former discharge lounge.
Vikki Butler, BHRUT director of clinical services reconfiguration, said: “This will help decongest A&E as patients who have a surgical issue will go straight to the unit for assessment and treatment, which will reduce waits for all patients.”
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The unit, based on the hospital's second floor, will include a treatment room, nine trolley spaces and two chairs for patients "fit to sit".
Work started on October 2 and the unit is due to open by the end of 2023.
The goverment's transformation fund provided £3 million for the works following a bid.
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