The troubled hospital in King's Lynn has outlined the progress it has made to turn around its services in advance of an inspection next month.

It gone through a series of changes since it was placed in special measures by the health regulator Monitor in October 2013.

Among areas highlighted in the improvements, include:-

- A £2 million upgrade to the accident and emergency department

- Recruitment of staff

- Management leadership and staff communication

It is hoped these changes are enough to pull the hospital out of special measures when the Care Quality Commission (CQC) returns for a three-day inspection on June 3.

Dorothy Hosein, chief executive of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, said: 'I'm aiming for excellence when it comes to our service. Not mediocre, excellence.

'It absolutely has to be the best for what we can provide for our patients. The hospital has undergone a journey but we're moving forwards in a very positive direction.

'As with anything, we are prepared to support our decisions with evidence and have adopted a methodical evidence-based heathcare environment.'

One particular area of focus has been the accident and emergency department, which was highlighted as requiring improvement during an inspection in July last year.

Yesterday it was announced the upgrade to the department is complete, and includes a new dedicated paediatric area.

With it's colourful decor, the space also includes a children's play area with specialist distraction toys for when they are undergoing treatment. An extension has also been added and there are now a number of en-suite rooms, new observation bays, and the resus areas has been reorganised.

Staff at the hospital are this month being issued with a leaflet outlining the progress so far ahead of the CQC inspection in terms of leadership, performance and workforce.

Mrs Hosein said: 'My message to staff is quite clear in that we are all in this together, and that everyone plays an important part in this transformation.'

Dr Edward Libbey, chairman for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn Foundation Trust, added: 'Lots of people have commented to me that the place feels different, and that's very positive for us to hear.'

- Have you noticed the changes at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital? Email louise.hepburn@archant.co.uk