Queen’s Hospital has opened a new £7.5 million Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU), named the Jubilee ITU in recognition of the Queen’s 70th year on the throne this February.
Key features of the ITU include the addition of 15 beds, with flexibility to increase to 25 beds during busy winter months, as well as ‘bright and airy lights’ to provide a ‘peaceful environment’ for both staff and patients.
Jacqui Smith, Chair of Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS FT, commented: “Our new Jubilee ITU will help us treat our sickest patients in a state-of-the-art environment. It will also play a key role as we continue to reduce surgical waiting lists as the increase in beds provides flexibility to treat people who have been waiting for operations faster.
“I’d like to thank the many teams and contractors who have worked tirelessly alongside us to open the facility, so that we can provide the very best care.”
Ingleton Wood, a property and construction consultancy, provided architectural, mechanical, electrical, and project management services. Partner Paul Cavalier, commented on the development: “We were pleased to support the Jubilee ITU which will save more lives and provide patients with cutting-edge equipment in a modern environment for generations to come.
“We worked hand-in-hand with BHRUT to design and deliver the project with care and put the communities across Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge in the best possible position to cope with healthcare needs.”
Andrew Rosindell, MP for Romford, who declared the ITU open said: “I was delighted to be asked to open the Jubilee ITU. It’s incredible to see such a new, modern facility providing the extra capacity needed for patient care.”
The opening of the ITU is part of an £11.5 million investment to expand critical care departments across Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals.
