A ground breaking event was held at the Sidcup hospital this week to mark the start of the 13-month project to revamp the hospital, starting at the main entrance to give visitors a better experience when they arrive.
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust took ownership of QMH in October 2013, after South London Healthcare Trust was dissolved, and agreed to invest £30m to redevelop the site and improve facilities.
This latest development will see an out-patients area introduced for adult learning disability patients, with pharmacy and blood testing services on the ground floor.
The Urgent Care Centre is also being improved, and will have its own entrance for the 24/7 service it offers.
The first floor will provide out-patients with a range of clinical specialities including orthopaedics, general medicine, cardiology, women’s services, and therapy services.
In addition to these latest developments, the new cancer centre is due to open later this year and the Kidney Centre will open in early 2017.
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive, Ben Travis and Chairman Andy Trotter accompanied a group of Non-Executive Directors on the site visit to mark the beginning of the latest phase of developments. Joining them was our Estates and Facilities Director Rachel Evans and Head of Estate Development Colin Cope.
Chairman Andy Trotter said: “It’s very exciting and what a transition for the hospital to be rising up from where it was, thanks to the excellent partnership working we have here with all of the other health providers involved. The local community will have a wide range of services available.”
Non Executive Director Archie Herron, said: “This development will enable Queen Mary’s Hospital to deliver services not previously available locally. It’s very exciting to see work progress.”
Ben Travis said: "This is another exciting step forward in us achieving our vision to see Queen Mary’s Hospital developed into a vibrant centre which can provide vital health services for local people.”