Newham University Hospital

Opened by Queen Elizabeth II on December 14, 1983, Newham University Hospital stands as a vital healthcare hub. Originally called Newham General Hospital, it replaced two older hospitals: Queen Mary’s Hospital for the East End and East Ham Memorial Hospital. This new hospital, built on a former landfill south of the Northern Outfall Sewer, started with 301 beds. It was a “nucleus” style hospital, a cost-effective design allowing for future expansion. Just two years later, the need arose. A maternity department was added in 1985, leading to the closure of Newham Maternity Hospital. Diana, Princess of Wales, inaugurated “Phase 2” in 1986. This expansion included more maternity beds, a special care baby unit, a rehabilitation department, and an academic center, boosting the total beds to 403. Newham University Hospital faced significant changes over the years. In 1991, it came under the newly formed Newham Healthcare NHS Trust. The hospital underwent physical changes as well. The roof was replaced in 1994 and again in 1999. A mental healthcare unit was added that same year. The year 2000 brought a women’s center, an ambulatory care center, a scanner unit, and a children’s day nursery. The hospital also expanded its parking facilities. By 2001, the bed count adjusted to 344. The name officially changed to Newham University Hospital in 2004. A significant addition came in 2005. The Gateway Surgical Centre opened with 39 beds, a renal unit, and three operating theaters. Managed by Barts and The London NHS Trust, it further enhanced the hospital’s capabilities. Further expansion happened in 2009 with additions to the maternity department and patient waiting areas. In 2012, Newham University Hospital, along with St Bartholomew’s, the Royal London, Mile End, and Whipps Cross hospitals, merged to form Barts Health NHS Trust. Even with the challenges of a reported £93m deficit in 2015, Newham University Hospital remains a core part of the community, serving a diverse and growing population. The hospital continues to handle a high volume of births, reflecting Newham’s high birth rate, around 7,200 deliveries annually. It also addresses the borough’s challenge of having the highest tuberculosis prevalence in the country.