The mother of a four-year-old girl with a broken leg has bemoaned the closure of Queen's Hospital car park.

The hospital in Rom Valley Way had its car park shut by Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) on July 20 this year for a refurb.

The initial closure was due to be for three weeks before the car park reopens in stages. Work is set to continue until September 14.

Stephanie Broderick-Fox, mum of Millie, said the closure had caused them stress.

She said she was forced to take Millie, who has a broken leg, by bus to the hospital - which turned out to be a difficult process.

"I was exhausted by the time we finally got home," Stephanie said. "She's too big for a buggy so I had to transport her in a wagon.

"It was also extremely tiring trying to get her there [as] she is quite heavy," she added.

Stephanie said she encountered difficulties trying to get Millie in her wagon on the bus, drivers allegedly turning them away, prolonging the time getting to her appointment.

RELATED NEWS: Queen's Hospital, Romford, set for car park closure this weekend

BHRUT apologised for the inconvenience caused, but said improvements were necessary to avoid the car park shutting for good.

Sean Greene, BHRUT director of estates and facilities, said: "We’re sorry the closure of the car park has caused inconvenience.

"A review by independent health and safety inspectors recommended we urgently carry out essential work or risk having to shut it permanently."

Mr Greene added that work was being done in the summer, when Queen's is quieter, and the upgraded car park will be safer, better lit and more accessible.

This paper asked readers on Facebook whether they had been affected by the car park closure.

Nicola Scotcher empathised with the move.

"[I've] been more affected by the lack of staffing," she said. "The poor staff are at breaking point."

Sue Thorogood, commenting on the same thread, also defended BHRUT.

"People moan that the car park needs repairs or improvements, then they moan when the car park is closed to do said repairs or improvements," Sue said.

Queen's Hospital has emergency parking in its creche car park and patients arriving between 7am and 6pm will be directed there by a staff member.