Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich has opened two new wards to accommodate the increase in patients attending A&E.

The new short-stay inpatient wards will provide an additional 44 beds, which will mean patients requiring further hospital care will get faster treatment.

The Trust opened 24 beds yesterday (December 6) and an additional 20 beds will be opening in January and February next year.

Medical director Dr Elizabeth Aitken said: "QEH often receives more ambulances than any other hospital in London, and in the past we simply haven’t had enough space for all our patients after they have been seen in A&E. This will no longer be the case, as we now have two new short-stay inpatient wards."

Charlotte Thompson, 80, was one of the first patients to be transferred to Ward 22 when it opened on Thursday.

She said: "I was admitted to hospital on Monday after being sent to A&E by my GP with very high blood pressure.

“My first impression of the ward was how nice and hygienic it looked. It’s also more spacious than the ward I was on before. I used to work for the Women’s Royal Naval Service and I have to say I’m very impressed by how organised it is.

“The doctors have been carrying out lots of investigations, and I’m due one last scan before going home tomorrow. I shall certainly appreciate staying on this brand new ward. I feel very lucky to be here.”