NHS – MP welcomes millions for A&E services in East Kent.

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September 8th 2018

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North Thanet`s MP, Sir Roger Gale, has this weekend welcomed the award of an additional £6.5 million of capital funding to extend and support A&E services in East Kent. 

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The MP has said: 

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“The £6.5 million, which will be split between the Trust`s two A&E centres in Margate and Ashford, will provide for additional capacity to construct Observation Units designed to alleviate the pressure on current A&E services. 

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At present doctors examining patients presenting at our A&E centres at the QEQM and William Harvey hospitals, many of whom are not strictly either “accident” or “emergency” cases and who do not require hospital treatment are faced with two choices: they either admit the patient or they discharge them. Correctly, physicians err on the side of caution and not infrequently admit patients who are found, subsequently, not to require hospital treatment. The creation of observation units will enable patients to be kept, without admission to a ward, for surveillance for a sufficient period of time to determine whether or not they really do need admission or whether discharge is the safe and proper option. 

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I appreciate that these units are unlikely to satisfy those campaigners who prefer the grievance to the solution but I believe that this investment sends out a very clear message that, contrary to populist scaremongering, our A&E units are secure. 

Acting responsibility, the Trust has plans in place to deliver prefabricated units in short order and it is anticipated that the new observation units will be in place, staffed and up and running before Christmas. 

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Speaking following a meeting with the Trust`s Chief Executive, Susan Acott, Sir Roger added: 

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“While the Trust will face the inevitable winter pressures generated by an ageing population I believe that plans are in place and in the process of implementation that, maximising the facilities of the Kent and Canterbury hospital, will enable all three of our major hospitals, working together with our community hospitals, to respond efficiently to the pressures that they will inevitably experience. That does not mean that there will not be unforeseen difficulties but it should mean that the cancellation of many planned procedures that we have faced in the past can be avoided”.

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