London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust has clarified the use of a Temporary Escalation Space in the Emergency Department at Northwick Park Hospital.
This follows a video sent to Harrow Online, which was believed to show COVID-19 and flu patients in a corridor. The trust confirmed that this was incorrect, explaining that the space is used to care for patients with a range of medical needs during busy periods.
The Temporary Escalation Space is designed to ensure that those most urgently requiring attention are prioritised, while others are cared for safely and compassionately. Patients in this area are provided with pain relief, pillows, food, and drink, with personal care and hygiene standards maintained.
Private cubicles are used for assessments and sensitive discussions, and those with respiratory symptoms are treated separately to minimise the risk of infection. People who are particularly vulnerable to infection are prioritised for private treatment spaces.
A spokesperson for London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust said: “We are committed to providing compassionate care for all our patients, and are working with community partners to more quickly discharge people who are well enough to leave in order to create space for those in greater need.
“At particularly busy times we will safely care for some people in our Emergency Departments in a Temporary Escalation Space while we prioritise those most urgently in need, with pain relief, pillows, food and drink provided and personal care and hygiene standards maintained.
“With our Emergency Departments among the busiest in the country we ask that people only attend in an emergency, otherwise contacting NHS 111, their GP or local pharmacy for advice.”
The trust highlighted that the Temporary Escalation Space also helps ambulance crews hand over patients more quickly, ensuring emergency services are available for others in critical need. Volunteers in the Emergency Department contribute by supporting patients, offering hot drinks, and ensuring a compassionate experience.
Residents are urged to only attend A&E in emergencies and to seek non-urgent medical advice through NHS 111, their GP, or local pharmacies.
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