Patients benefit from improvements to urgent care at Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Healthier Greenwich Partnership is streamlining the patient experience in the urgent care department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital thanks to a cash injection from the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
The £462,000 donation has been used to enhance the streaming service which helps patients get the right care at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich when they visit A&E, with more booking in and triage areas.
The improvements aim to reduce waiting times, improve overall experience, and ensure patients receive the right care faster. The funding is made up of financial contributions made to the council by developers, designated to improve local health services.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary said: “We know how important it is that our residents can access urgent healthcare quickly and comfortably when they need it the most. By investing this funding into Queen Elizabeth Hospital, we’re helping to create a smoother experience for patients, while supporting our NHS partners to deliver excellent care.
“By reinvesting contributions from developers back into vital community services, we’re strengthening the link between growth and wellbeing across the borough and ensuring that everyone’s health supports them in living their best lives.”
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: “We’re putting developers’ cash to good use and getting things done in Greenwich. When someone visits A&E, we want them to feel cared for, safe and supported from the moment they walk through the door. These improvements will make a real difference to local people, especially at moments where they need help the most. It’s easy to just point at problems, but in Greenwich we’re getting things done to sort them.”
Councillors Lolavar and Okereke visited Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday to see the improvements made, how the funding is being put to good use, and to meet the staff involved in delivering the improvements.
Ben Travis, Chief Executive, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust said: “This investment is already making a real difference for our patients and colleagues at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Thanks to Greenwich Council for their funding support, which is helping us improve care and enhance the patient journey. It was a pleasure to show councillors the upgrades firsthand and walk them through the experience patients have when they come through our Emergency Department doors.”
If you need care urgently, please use the right service and if you are unsure which service is the right one to use visit NHS 111 online or call 111.
Which is the right service for you?
- Life-threatening emergency or serious injury: call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E)
- Medical attention and advice: contact your GP
- If you cannot contact your GP: visit NHS 111 online
- For expert advice and medicines: visit your local pharmacy
- Mental health emergency: visit NHS 111 online
Pharmacy First
Pharmacies can also offer advice and medication for common ailments under the Pharmacy First scheme, including
- Impetigo (ages 1 year and over)
- Infected insect bites (ages 1 year and over)
- Earache (ages 1 to 17 years)
- Sore throat (ages 5 years and over)
- Sinusitis (ages 12 years and over)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
- Shingles (ages 18 years and over)
Guide to healthcare
Consult the NHS South East London guide to healthcare for more information on common ailments and where to go for the right care at the right time in the right place.
Advice on staying well in winter
The council is also offering advice on staying well this winter.
Home First
Partners from Healthier Greenwich Partnership offer a wealth of services to help people stay well and recover in their own homes. Visit the Home First webpage.