New trials for A&E

Queen's promotes alternative to A&E in new trial

A new approach is being trialled at Queen’s Hospital to redirect people who go the Emergency Department (ED) but could be treated elsewhere. Anyone who does not need emergency care will be redirected to the most appropriate care in the community, such as their GP or local pharmacist, during the two-week trial, which runs from 8am to 8pm. There are plenty of other places to go in the borough if someone needs medical attention including walk-in centres at Harold Wood Polyclinic, RM3 0AR, and at South End Road, Rainham RM13 7XJ, where you can get advice for any health problem. You can also book urgent on-the-day GP appointments at our GP hubs – call 020 3770 1888 to book or find out more online.

Somme remembrance

The Council is holding a two-minute silence at 11am today (Friday 1 July) in tribute to those who lost their lives and loved ones on the French battlefields. Britain observed a two-minute silence at 7.28am to mark 100 years since the start of the Battle of the Somme, at the moment when the first wave of soldiers went ‘over the top’ for the Allied offensive in Picardy in 1916. However, as most staff would have been travelling to work at that time, we will pay our respects at 11am. The ‘alarm’ bell will sound at the start and at the end of the silence at 11am and then at 11.02am at the Town Hall, Mercury House, and Romford Library. The service to the public will continue and visitors will also be able to join in the silence if they wish.