Health Minister Karin Smyth sees winter preparations at Newham Hospital A&E
Health Minister for Urgent Care Karin Smyth met staff at Newham Hospital’s A&E department to see how they are preparing for an expected increase in patients this coming winter.
The minister was joined on Thursday by local MPs Uma Kumaran and James Asser as they toured the hospital’s urgent and emergency care facilities.
Newham recently increased capacity in its Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) centre by almost 60 per cent, meaning more patients can be discharged the same day.
It also means more patients avoid unnecessary overnight stays and frees up beds for those in need of more urgent A&E care.
The government is seeking to roll out examples of best practice, such as those on display at Newham, in hospitals across the country through its 10 Year Health Plan.
Health Minister for Urgent Care, Karin Smyth, said:
We know that winter is a busy time for the NHS so it’s important people only attend if they need emergency care. Newham Hospital has been proactive in easing pressure by ensuring it can get more patients treated and discharged on the same day.
We will take best practice examples like this to the rest of the NHS as we deliver fundamental reforms that will reduce waits for patients through our 10 Year Health Plan.
We’ve already made sure A&Es will not be impacted by strikes this winter and we’re working to ensure Trusts are well supported as they manage the additional pressures of the colder months.
Emergency medicine consultant at Newham Hospital, Dr Nick Jenkins said:
Our goal is to ensure everyone receives the right care at the right time. We encourage patients to consider alternative urgent care options in the community, but we are always here to care for you in cases of medical emergencies.
Newham’s population is growing rapidly and there often aren't enough beds during periods of extreme pressure, which can lead to overcrowding.
Newham’s SDEC centre sees an average of 47 patients every day, with the majority assessed, diagnosed and treated the same day.
Nine out of 10 admissions to the hospital are emergency cases, with almost 500 people a day attending last month.
For the month of October, it cared for over 14,000 patients in its emergency department – a 9% increase on last year.
That's why we're urging patients to consider going to a GP or pharmacy instead of attending A&E this winter. Here's a list of where to get help in north east London.
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