We will receive £15million in Government funding over the next two years to improve our Emergency Department (ED) at King George Hospital.

The first £3m will be spent this year on a Rapid Access and First Treatment (RAFTing) area, and reconfiguring the space in the department to ensure social distancing can be maintained, keeping our patients safe during the pandemic.

Point of Care (POCT) testing will also be introduced to help speed up diagnosis and treatment for patients. POCT testing is effectively laboratory blood tests performed outside of the lab, meaning patients’ results are immediately available, cutting treatment delays and leading to better overall health outcomes for patients. Our ED will also benefit from a new x-ray facility.

A further £12m, subject to approval of a business case, will be spent next year on a Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU) and implementing ‘same day emergency care’ (SDEC).

SDEC aims to treat more complex patients on the same day, reducing the need for them to be admitted to hospital, which improves overall flow throughout the hospital, ensuring beds are available for patients who really need them.

Introducing a PAU will ensure there is a dedicated space for children to be assessed more quickly on their arrival at hospital.

Tony Chambers, our Chief Executive, said: “This funding will allow us to upgrade our Emergency Department at King George Hospital to ensure we can meet the needs of our patients now and in the future.

“As we approach the winter, it’s vital we ensure our patients are treated safely in our ED and that social distancing can be maintained. More rapid testing will ensure faster diagnosis and treatment for our patients, reducing the time they need to spend in our department. I’m delighted the first £3m of this funding will be spent on getting this in place for the coming winter, and look forward to further changes which will transform our department for our patients over the next year.”

The upgrade is due to be complete by December 2021.