Published 17 November
The first patients were treated in the newly expanded emergency department at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in Margate this week.
This first phase of a multi-million-pound expansion of the department features a brand-new children’s emergency department, twelve new treatment bays for adults, dedicated mental health facilities, a new entrance, and waiting area.
Liz Shutler, Deputy Chief Executive of East Kent Hospitals said: “This major expansion gives our patients, visitors and staff a bigger, better and safer environment. I’d like to thank everyone for their support and patience during this first phase of this exciting transformation of QEQM’s Emergency Department.”
Above the new patient areas are much-needed staff facilities, with dedicated spaces for clinical teaching plus areas for staff to work, rest and change.
Jo Williams, Head of Nursing for Urgent and Emergency Care at QEQM, said: “We have worked really closely with the architects and construction partners to create fantastic new treatment areas for our patients and dedicated areas to support staff wellbeing.
“We’re really proud of the new department and it has been fantastic to welcome patients this week.”
The second phase of the department’s transformation starts later this month, when extensive renovations within the existing department get underway to create a more brand-new treatment areas, including further dedicated areas for patients with mental health needs.
The third phase, due to start next year, will expand and renovate the resuscitation area, where some of the sickest patients are treated.
Thanks to our partners WWMartin, HMY and 2gether Support Solutions.
