Temporary relocations of dermatology and gastroenterology services
Community dermatology services will move from Barking Community Hospital (BCH) in Upney to Queen’s Hospital in Romford as of today (Tuesday 15 June) for a period of six to 12 months. A dermatology service will still operate at BCH at weekends, provided by community services provider, DCM. Dermatology services at BCH have been suspended during the pandemic. Specialist dermatology services have continued to be provided at Queen’s Hospital during the course of the pandemic.
The move would allow for the continuity of dermatology services in terms of capacity, while a small number of specialist nurses – usually based at BCH - are on maternity leave. The Trust reports that recruitment of replacement specialist nurses as cover is unlikely. The service’s phototherapy machine would also relocate from BCH to Queen’s.
This temporary move will also see the Trust’s Gastroenterology services move into the vacated space at BCH, freeing up ward space at Queen’s Hospital to support the urgent, post-Covid expansion of its non-elective work. This move is due to take place by early July, subject to the relocation of specialist equipment.
The service has been provided in an independent hospital setting during the pandemic to meet Covid-safe requirements. The service will remain at BCH for six to 12 months while a long-term solution is explored.
The Trust is talking directly to affected patients to explain the temporary moves. We will keep all stakeholders updated on our progress, including Healthwatch and our Health Overview Scrutiny Committee colleagues, as part of a communications approach being developed jointly by the CCG and the Trust.
Thank you for your ongoing support
Ceri Jacob
Managing Director - BHR Integrated Care Partnership
North East London Clinical Commissioning Group
Tony Chambers
Chief Executive
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT)
