By Liz Baker
The latest phase in a multi-million-pound refurbishment of the emergency department at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate is complete.
Phase 3a involved rebuilding the existing resuscitation unit, where some of the most critically ill patients in the hospital are treated, providing five new state-of-the-art resuscitation bays.
Other upgrades to maximise the space include a new commercial kitchen, storage spaces, accessible toilets and clean and dirty utility areas.
A new ambulance road has also been completed to provide direct access for emergency vehicles to the new emergency department entrance.
Jo Williams, head of nursing for urgent and emergency care at the QEQM, said: “We are delighted to be able to use our fantastic new resuscitation area, which offers a better environment for our patients and our hard-working teams.
“The refurbishment of the department has been a long-term project and we recognise it has meant some disruption, so we would like to thank everyone for their patience and support during the building work.
“Each phase’s completion has proved that it is worth it, and we are so grateful to WW Martin for their hard work and commitment to creating our vision.”
This phase is the latest improvement to the department, which has also seen major redevelopment of the majors and paediatric areas thanks to an extension into a previous courtyard area.
The next and final phase will provide two additional cubicles, relatives’ room and point-of-care-testing facilities, as well as reinstating temporary areas. Final completion is due early next year.
Speaking on behalf of the main contractor WW Martin, senior site manager Darren Offen said: “It is great to reach this critical milestone in the project, and we are already working hard to progress the final phase and complete the work in early 2024.
“Working with HMY Architects, 2gether Support Solutions, Sweco and Modus, we are proud to be part of these significant expansion works at QEQM.”
The £30million, three-year project for the emergency departments at QEQM and at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford Margate has been made possible by capital funding from NHS England.
