Queen Alexandra Hospital Unveils New Emergency Department

A hospital, known for experiencing significant waiting times and extensive ambulance queues, has inaugurated its new Accident and Emergency unit. The emergency department at Queen Alexandra (QA) Hospital commenced operations at 08:00 GMT on Tuesday, with the aim of providing a “better experience” for patients. This new facility supersedes the previous department, which had been operational since the late 1970s and possessed a more limited capacity. Management at the hospital characterized the multimillion-pound facility as a “much-needed investment,” attributing its necessity to the growing demand for emergency medical services. Over recent years, the QA has drawn criticism for extended waiting periods to receive emergency treatment, with ambulances occasionally forming queues outside the A&E during periods of peak demand. For instance, in 2023, a 93-year-old individual reportedly endured a wait exceeding 14 hours within an ambulance. Furthermore, the QA declared several critical incidents when its wards and emergency department reached full capacity. This situation led to patients being temporarily rerouted to alternative hospitals in an effort to alleviate what the Portsmouth Hospitals University (PHU) NHS Trust termed “intolerable delays.” The new facility, which cost £58m, offers enhanced access for ambulances, featuring a covered handover area and a dedicated patient drop-off zone. Additionally, the department incorporates additional space specifically designed for patients requiring resuscitation. It includes distinct waiting areas for adults and children, alongside an increased number of single rooms to improve infection control. Construction commenced in March 2023, and the building was conceived to maximize natural light throughout, aiming to benefit both patients and staff. According to PHU, the new department is expected to offer an improved experience for individuals requiring emergency care within a contemporary and purpose-built setting. Penny Emerit, PHU’s chief executive, stated: “We are delighted to open our new Emergency Department which is a much-needed investment to improve the experience of those in our community who need emergency care. “The old department had been in use since 1979 and was designed to care for many less people than we now see every day,” she added. Residents of Portsmouth requiring medical assistance are still advised to utilize the Emergency Department exclusively for life-threatening injuries and conditions. The hospital’s website indicates that life-threatening emergencies vary between adults and children. For adults, these encompass: For children, these comprise: Further details on when to contact 999 are available on the NHS website.