Data retrieved in a Freedom of Information request (FOI) submitted by Opera Beds has revealed the significant change recorded by Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT), which runs Queen’s Hospital in Romford and King George Hospital in Goodmayes.
The trust has seen the second largest increase nationally in emergency hospital admissions of patients aged 65 and over since 2022, according to the data.
The FOI revealed that BHRUT recorded 17,988 emergency admissions of patients within this age category in 2022, with this figure then jumping to 26,100 in 2023.
Data from 2024 recorded yet another increase in emergency hospital admissions for 65s and over, with 30,160 admissions.
This latest figure shows a 68 per cent hike in numbers recorded from 2022.
Nic Kane, BHRUT chief nurse, said: “Across the three boroughs we serve, Havering, in particular, has a higher population of older residents.
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“We have a combination of initiatives in place to get them seen in the right place at the right time, aiming to avoid long waits in A&E and unnecessary admissions.
“This includes a virtual ward, where patients receive the care they need at home rather than in hospital; a frailty same day emergency care unit; and we’re trialling a dedicated geriatrician at our front door, which has already seen higher discharge rates.
“We also have an ageing well centre, co-located with partners such as Age UK, the voluntary sector, and district nursing teams, at St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub.”
