The new A&E, or Emergency Department, at Croydon University Hospital (Mayday), opened to the public in December. It offers a wonderful service and operates at around double the capacity of the old A&E.
In 2015 I met with the then Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, to discuss the importance of upgrading the A&E. That year, the Government decided to invest £21 million in the new A&E. It is much bigger than the old A&E, so can see far more patients. Patients also now have higher levels of privacy – they will be treated in their own treatment rooms, rather than just a curtained cubicle.
Other facilities include two mental health liaison rooms for adults, one for children, and a dedicated resuscitation unit for very seriously ill patients. A separate new Urgent Treatment Centre has also been opened next door to the A&E to handle less serious cases.
The local NHS still recommend that residents in the south of the Borough attend Purley War Memorial Hospital’s GP Hub / Minor Injury Unit for less serious matters (excluding potential broken bones – for which people should still go to Croydon University Hospital). Following my campaign a year or two ago, the Purley facility is now open 8am-8pm 365 days a year. There are both GPs and nurses available to see people immediately, as well as an X ray service. The NHS also encourages non-emergency patients to phone 111 for medical advice.
