HRH, The Duke of York, visits the RNOH redevelopment

Posted by Rebekah Ahmed on 18 January 2017

HRH The Duke of York visited the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital yesterday (17.1.17)  to see progress on the start of a huge rebuilding project to provide state-of-the-art facilities to our patients. As Patron of the RNOH, The Duke has a long-standing relationship with the hospital, and has supported the efforts of several campaigns to improve and update the RNOH's facilities.

On his tour of the hospital, The Duke saw for himself progress on the redevelopment of the 100 acre site in Stanmore, Middlesex. He met with the Chairman and executive team, and discussed plans and designs for the new ward block that started construction in September 2016. He was also shown the new Children and Young People’s (CYP) Outpatient Department, which offers specialist orthopaedic care to children and adolescent patients. He met with staff and patients on the unit, including those who looked after Princess Eugenie back in 2002. Many of the unit’s young patients spoke with The Duke about their conditions and treatment including Nathan, who suffers a rare bone disease, Mia, who suffered a spinal cord injury, and Olivia, who underwent surgery for scoliosis, a similar case to that of Princess Eugenie.

The new five-storey ward block, due to open in late 2018, will provide 91 beds, 50% of which will be in single rooms, greatly enhancing patient privacy and helping reduce risk of cross-infection. A main entrance with a children’s activity centre and coffee shop will also give the hospital a central hub that it is currently lacking. Improved access for all patients is central to the new design, especially for those with reduced mobility or wheelchair users.

The CYP Outpatient Department has been refurbished with a new reception area, examination and measurement rooms and a fully equipped gym area. The newly fitted department means children are seen in a clean and appropriate space, their privacy is maintained and the facilities are better suited to their needs.

Professor Tony Goldstone, Chair of the RNOH, said: “The Duke of York’s support and interest in the RNOH is greatly appreciated. During the visit, he said how delighted he was to see the work on the redevelopment start and looked forward to seeing the finished building. This massive investment into the redevelopment of the RNOH means our future is secure and we can continue to be the leading provider of orthopaedic and musculoskeletal medicine in the UK. With surgical, rehabilitation and research facilities all on one site, the RNOH provides a level of expertise and patient care unmatched anywhere else.”