Despite mixed experiences by some, there have been positive developments at Whipps Cross Hospital over the past few months, says Leyton and Wanstead MP Calvin Bailey MBE
The long-standing need for redevelopment at Whipps Cross remains, but we are beginning to see real progress, not only in improvements to service provision, but also in growing recognition of the vital work the hospital does for our community.
I have been working closely with the hospital to highlight progress where change is happening. I was pleased to be invited to open the newly upgraded Emergency Department, where changes to ambulance handover and a layout redesign to better manage patient flow are already making a real difference. Around 75% of patients are now seen within four hours, and corridor care has been significantly reduced from a high of over 30 patients two years ago to single figures or none today. This comes hot on the heels of their new paediatric clinical decision unit to support faster and safer care for children, and the addition of clinical space to expand capacity during busier periods.
These are all important steps forward in improving our local healthcare provision, and I continue to be impressed by the dedication and ambition of Whipps staff, who come from, and care for, people of every background.
A key part of my role is bringing decision-makers into our community, and I was delighted to welcome Skills Minister Jacqui Smith to Whipps Cross. During her visit, she met staff and students involved in DFN Project SEARCH, a supported internship programme designed to offer transformative employment opportunities to young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND). This reflects one of my core priorities: ensuring young people, particularly those who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), have clear pathways into secure, long-term employment. For students with additional needs, the barriers to employment are often doubly restrictive, which is why the hospital’s engagement on this is so important.
Funded by the Department for Education, the programme equips young people with the skills, confidence and experience they need to succeed, through three 10-week placements across the hospital. Whipps leadership in this area shows how our local NHS can play a vital role, not just in healthcare, but in creating opportunities for our young people.
Although I can see welcome change happening at Whipps, from my inbox, I know constituents continue to have mixed experiences, particularly in maternity and women’s health services. I know these concerns must be taken seriously and addressed as part of the hospital’s ongoing improvement. I will continue working closely with Whipps’ staff, the Department for Health and ministerial colleagues to push for the investments and opportunities our community needs and deserves.
To contact Calvin Bailey MP, email calvin.bailey.mp@parliament.uk
