Revamped Margate A&E opens to public

The new Rapid Assessment Unit at the QEQM Hospital in Margate

The emergency facilities at one of the busiest hospitals in South East England have been expanded and updated following an investment of millions of pounds.

From Tuesday, there will be new, larger treatment areas at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in Margate.

Jo Williams, head of nursing for urgent and emergency care at the QEQM, described the new facilities as "fantastic".

The department has been criticised in the past by inspectors who said the design of the buildings did not always keep patients safe.

The improvements are the final part of a £30m investment in the emergency departments at both the QEQM and the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, both of which are run by East Kent Hospitals NHS trust.

The work includes an expanded and renovated resuscitation area, where some of the sickest patients are treated.

A new rapid assessment and treatment unit, dedicated mental health facilities and a new children's emergency department are also due to be opened.

The A&E department at Margate can see more than 6,000 people every month.

Jo Williams is head of nursing for urgent emergency care at the QEQM

Ms Williams says the hospital is now able to open seven resuscitation cubicles including a new paediatric resuscitation cubicle.

She said the revamped department was better for the staff, but also for patients to be cared for with "better privacy and dignity".