Consultation projects

We are currently involved in three major PPI consultation projects:

  • The redevelopment of King’s Emergency Department to improve patient services
  • The South London Line Campaign to maintain a full rail service link to King’s
  • Revamping Denmark Hill railway station to improve access to the Trust by public transport.

Emergency Department redevelopment

Emergency Department entrance

The revised plans for the redevelopment of King’s Emergency Department (ED) were agreed in 2009 following a joint public consultation between the hospital, Southwark and Lambeth Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. They increase the size of our existing ED and include:

  • Phase one – building a new walk-in entrance to ED
  • Phase two – refitting and expanding the resuscitation (resus) area
  • Phase three – creating a separate, designated suite for mental health patients and a new treatment area/urgent care centre for people with minor injuries and ailments in the Golden Jubilee Wing.

Phase one of the building work is well under way and phase two has already started. The third phase will start once the new entrance is nearing completion. The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year and will provide patients with a spacious, state-of-the-art facility that will enable us to improve their care and their experience in the ED.

Patients who use the ED – as well as key stakeholders – have been involved in the redesign project right from the start and will continue to play a key part in our plans.

The project is overseen by a Project Board, which includes representatives who are mental health service users, as well as members of the Local Involvement Networks (LINks).

Future plans include expanding and improving other parts of ED, including paediatrics (children’s care), majors and the Clinical Decision Unit (CDU).

South London Line Campaign

Denmark Hill Rally

In 2008/09 we campaigned with local stakeholders to save the South London Line (SLL) which runs between Victoria and London Bridge stations and is a key transport link for King’s patients and staff. In response, Transport for London (TfL) carried out a review of the service.

The results made clear the need to fill gaps in train services to Victoria after the SLL service is withdrawn, although the loss of a direct link to London Bridge will be eased by the introduction of frequent trains between Clapham Junction and Dalston Junction with the opening of Phase 2 of the East London Line.

King's Governors continue to meet with Network Rail and TfL to identify ways in which future rail franchises can ensure Denmark Hill retains key train services.

Denmark Hill Station

Denmark Hill Station refurbishment

Access to the hospital and public transport in the local community are important issues for us, and a recent priority has been Denmark Hill Station and the train services that bring thousands of patients, staff and visitors to the hospital each day.

For a few years now we have run a campaign with our Governors, Members and local elected representatives to make Denmark Hill an accessible station. We are pleased to report that Network Rail is investing £7 million in the station over the next year or so.

Work has already begun on the update and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2012. The project includes:

  • refurbishing the wooden footbridge
  • erecting a brand-new footbridge at the far end of the station with lifts to all platforms
  • building a new ticket office on the Champion Park side of the station
  • installing a ramp leading from the new footbridge to the ticket office.

The new and improved station will provide much better facilities for everyone who uses the station, not least our own patients, visitors and staff.