Hornchurch and Upminster MP, Julia Lopez, met Matthew Trainer, Chief Executive of the Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT), to discuss performance at Queen’s Hospital, including maternity services, emergency care, staffing and financial pressures. 

On maternity services, Mrs Lopez discussed the ongoing national review led by Baroness Amos, who recently visited Queen’s Hospital as part of her assessment of maternity care standards across the country. Mrs Lopez has connected local families with Baroness Amos and her team so that residents’ experiences can directly inform the review. 

On emergency care, the Chief Executive reported that October was Queen’s busiest on record, with a significant number of very sick and frail patients attending A&E.  

The hospital continues to face challenges linked to residents struggling to access GP appointments and is exploring ways to improve the experience for older patients waiting in the emergency department. 

The meeting also covered the recent introduction of electronic patient records, which is progressing well. The Trust advised that some short-term disruption is expected as the system beds in. 

Financially, the Trust is under pressure to deliver government-imposed savings of £35–40 million this year, with further reductions anticipated in future years.  

These financial constraints are creating a challenging environment for local NHS services as they prepare for the winter period and potential further industrial action. 

Julia said: 

“I want to thank Matthew for taking the time to meet and speak through the issues that matter most to residents. Residents write regularly to me to share their experiences of Queen’s - good and bad. I value the regular meetings I have with the BHRUT leadership so that I can get answers for those residents and work together on practical solutions, like the A&E funding campaign I’m supporting to get that area emergency area reconfigurated."