James Wild MP met Interim QEH Executive Director, Chris Bown, to review the impact of recent industrial action, progress on building the new hospital, and use of technology to deliver better patient outcomes.
James reviewed progress on the new hospital plans with the senior team including the New Hospital Director and was assured plans are progressing well. With ongoing work on the strategic outline business case, he was told work on the multi-storey car park is expected to begin by March 2026. This is the key enabling project - once the new car park is ready it will free up the existing car park where the new hospital will be built.
Designs for the new hospital have been shared in recent public meetings and clinicians and QEH staff are helping shape them. These cutting edge facilities will benefit patients, staff, and the community QEH serves.
Following the recent BMA strikes, James expressed concern about how this affected patients. James was reassured despite the disruption strikes had limited impact on patient care at the QEH and remains in close communication with the hospital to ensure potential future action causes minimal disruption to patients.
After recently attending a Parliamentary briefing, hosted by the NHS and Palantir - a leading global data analytics and software company - James was eager to understand how QEH is using new technology. Software such as Optica patient discharge optimisation system is already leading to a more effective and efficient system. Further use of technology is expected with the deployment of the new electronic patient record system, leading to improved patient care.
Following the meeting, James Wild MP said:
“Plans for the new QEH with investment of up to £1.5 billion are progressing well. I look forward to the major step of work on the multi-storey car park starting early next year and then groundworks for the new hospital with construction planned to begin in 2028. By harnessing technology and with state of the art facilities, there is much to look forward to for patients and staff.”
