Much-Needed Emergency Department Expansion for QEQM

All images : HMY Architects

Working closely with project client, 2Gether Support Solutions on behalf of the NHS, Lee Evans Partnership’s Planning Team is delighted to confirm that permission has been granted for the expansion of the emergency department at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital in Margate.

With a large catchment area across East Kent and an increasing local population, the Hospital Trust identified capacity issues at the hospital. This coincided with plans to improve medical facilities across the Trust’s larger Kent hospitals.

Proposals were drawn up by local Kent architects HMY, with the expansion including an extension to the front emergency department expansion, together with an extension into an existing internal courtyard, maximising space.

The proposals will provide an improved and expanded waiting area, an ambulance rapid assessment areas, Resus, ‘majors’, paediatrics, a mental health suite, bereavement space, a Same Day Emergency Centre (SEDC), together with additional staff facilities. As a result of this development, ten extra treatment spaces will be provided, bringing to total to 52. Additionally, a staff car park extension will be provided to facilitate the hospital’s expansion now and into the future.

The design focuses first and foremost on functionality, with a design developed by the project architects which simplifies and unifies the existing hospital entrances whilst introducing a modern aesthetic.  A striking ‘sawtooth’ roof form and canopy will complement the existing glazed entrance, providing a more modern and cohesive frontage.

As a local firm, we’re confident that this expansion will make a big difference to the East Kent community, and we are excited to see this development come to life in the near future.

All images : HMY Architects