Exclusive: ‘Please do not take me to Queen’s Hospital’ elderly patients speak of fear and loss of dignity.

Elderly patients are increasingly fearful of being taken to Queen’s Hospital in Romford, with some telling family members and even ambulance crews that they do not want to be treated there due to concerns about dignity, privacy and prolonged waits in corridors.

Two elderly residents have spoken to the Havering Daily about their experiences and fears, describing what they say has left them deeply anxious about hospital care in later life.

Edward, who lost his wife two years ago, said watching her treatment had a lasting impact on him.

“After seeing the treatment my wife received, I tell all my family please do not take me to Queen’s,” he told the Havering Daily. “Even if I have to go outside of the area. I really dread the thought of going there.”

Edward said his wife became distressed whenever she was told she would need to return to the hospital.

“My wife dreaded it. Every time the nurses told her she had to return to Queen’s, she hated it. It really impacted her mental health. There were some nice nurses who were trying their best, but the place felt awful. The staff shortage was terrible. There were never enough nurses and people were being brought onto wards constantly.”

Mary, who lost her husband three years ago, said a recent visit to Queen’s Hospital to see a friend left her shocked.

“I visited a friend there recently and it was truly awful,” she said. “I saw so many elderly people like myself being cared for in corridors. They had no privacy and no dignity. It was distressing to see.”

Both Edward and Mary stressed that they do not wish to be taken to Queen’s Hospital if they become unwell.

Edward said he had spoken to a paramedic who shared similar concerns being raised by patients.

“I spoke to a paramedic recently and he told me that many people beg not to be taken to Queen’s Hospital,” Edward said. “For elderly people like us, it is frightening, especially if you do not have family with you.”

Corridor care has become a nationally recognised pressure within the NHS, but both residents said they believe older patients are particularly affected.

“It is something a lot of my friends worry about,” Mary added. “We worry about how we will be treated. It is the loss of dignity that hurts the most.”

She described witnessing what she felt was inappropriate questioning taking place in public areas.

“When I walked past the corridors, I heard a nurse asking a patient very personal questions in front of everyone,” she said. “Where is the dignity in that. We have worked hard all our lives and this is how we are treated as pensioners.”

Edward said he believes urgent action is needed.

“We need better healthcare,” he said. “People deserve respect. No one should be left feeling frightened or humiliated when they are at their most vulnerable.”

The Havering Daily understands that corridor care remains a major challenge across hospitals nationally, with pressure on staffing and bed capacity continuing to affect patient experience, particularly during peak periods.

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