King George Hospital has seen its Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) transformed following a £5m investment, which will be crucial in helping us manage critical care demand.

Renovated in just 10 months since the first design drawings were created, the ITU has been reconfigured and modernised, increasing in size from eight to 12 beds.

Local politicians joined us on Friday 1 July for a tour of the impressive ITU, when Chief Executive Matthew Trainer and Chair Jacqui Smith welcomed MP for Ilford South Sam Tarry, Redbridge Council Leader Jas Athwal, Health Scrutiny Committee Chair Beverley Brewer and Vice Chair Sunny Brar. Newly appointed Redbridge Council Chief Executive Claire Symonds also joined the visit.

During the visit, Sam Tarry said: “It’s so uplifting that for the third time in less than a year, I’ve visited King George Hospital to see new facilities.

“The investment not only boosts and benefits residents but also staff. Thank you to Matthew, Jacqui and the medical teams at the Trust, you’re doing a fantastic job.”

Councillor Athwal agreed and said: “It’s a great time to be at King George Hospital and see the great work that will be amazing for our residents.

“The ITU is one of those facilities that you hope you never have to use but you’re always thankful its there, because if you need it, you know you’ll receive world class treatment locally. We are very thankful.”

By utilising an area previously used for offices, the ITU is a much brighter and peaceful environment for patients to help aide their recovery and for our staff to work in.

Key features include a new dedicated Relatives room away from the main unit and a central staff station at the heart of the ITU, where nurses can see all areas of the department, making it safer for our patients, as well as a better working environment.

We’ve also utilised ventilators received during the Covid-19 pandemic by installing them in the ITU, as well creating additional storage, ensuring corridors and bays remain clear.

Matthew Trainer said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to create a fantastic environment for our critically ill patients in such a short amount of time. A huge well done to all the teams involved in the renovation.

“It was also crucial that the ITU had a positive impact on the wellbeing of our staff. With a new staff room and changing rooms, as well as a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) room, we’ve created a flexible environment for staff to work and relax in.”

Speaking about the bright future of King George Hospital, our Chair Jacqui Smith said: “This is the latest facility to be upgraded in less than a year, following the opening of our £5m state-of-the-art Emergency Department and our expanded Radiology department.

“We want residents to have confidence in their local hospital, and we will continue to improve services and facilities.”

KGH ITU is the second critical care investment in recent months, following the opening of our £7.5 Jubilee ITU at Queen’s Hospital.