Patients are being asked to have a view on what failing hospital Whipps Cross should look like in five, ten or 20 years' time.

The need to improve services comes after the Leytonstone hospital received a worrying 'special measures' status following an inspection by watchdogs the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in November.

Earlier this year, a team of experts carried out a review of the hospital estate and services, to come up with a plan on how to make the ‘significant improvements’ required.

Plans could include the redevelopment of some of the site’s ageing buildings, as well as services to help treat an increasing numbers of older patients.

By 2025, Barts Health estimates around one quarter of its patients will be aged 65 or over.

Alwen Williams, chief executive of Barts Health said: “We have already committed to maintaining accident and emergency facilities, a maternity unit and supporting hospital services for our patients.

“There is now a huge opportunity for us to shape an affordable strategy for the hospital site that will enable us to provide the very best, modern health and social care for our community.”

A public consultation will be held at the hospital on Thursday, October 20, where the proposals for the future of the hospital site will be unveiled.