Barts launch new campaign to make Whipps Cross ‘cleaner and greener’

A campaign has been launched to make Whipps Cross Hospital ‘cleaner and greener’ while the long-sought rebuild remains “some years away”.

The hospital, in Whipps Cross Road, serves a catchment of more than 350,000 people across the London boroughs of Waltham Forest and Redbridge and parts of Epping Forest.

The previous Conservative government pledged to totally rebuild the hospital in 2019, but this was delayed by former Labour chancellor Rachel Reeves last January.

Though work is underway on a new multi-storey car park, construction of the new hospital is not expected to start until 2032, ahead of a 2036 completion date. It was initially supposed to be finished by 2030.

The new Love Whipps Cross scheme, launching later this summer, will see staff install 22 new bins, introduce new water-refill stations, improve paths, remove weeds, and upgrade the lighting.

The ultrasound department is transforming an unused garden area into a more attractive space.

Rob Speight, director of estates and facilities, said: “Thousands of people come through our doors every week, and small improvements across the site can make a real difference to their experience.

“We are fortunate to be located alongside Epping Forest, which gives Whipps Cross a unique setting. Through Love Whipps Cross, we want to create a hospital environment that is clean, welcoming and pleasant for everyone.”

“The need for a new Whipps Cross Hospital has not gone away, and we will continue making the case for the investment our communities deserve,” he added.

“But that is still some years away.

“Until then, we’re determined to make the most of the hospital we have today and ensure everyone who comes here feels welcome from the moment they arrive.”