07.01.13
New facilities planned for Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) has submitted a planning application for new facilities that will abolish many of the hospital’s current structures in north west London. The buildings in question are over 60 years old and were originally designed for temporary war-time use.
Key proposals include a ‘home away from home’ accommodation unit for parents and children, a private patients unit and a staff accommodation block.
Planning permission for the site was originally granted in 2007 by the London Borough of Harrow and renewed in 2010 for a diverse mix of hospital, residential and educational uses. However, new planning permission is required as the existing permissions no longer safeguard this vision.
Dr Benjamin Jacobs, the trust’s head of children’s services, said: “Many of the children we treat are with us for a while, or require multiple visits. The new parents’ accommodation will provide a relaxing home from home for families at an emotionally difficult time.”
Trust chief executive Rob Hurd said: “We are very excited about these proposals as this planning application sets out our vision for providing exemplary healthcare for our patients. Without this redevelopment we believe the future of the hospital is in jeopardy, affecting the health and wellbeing of thousands of people from across the UK.
“The RNOH is proud of its reputation as a world class provider of specialist orthopaedic and musculo-skeletal services. We have over 100 years of history and feel we’re a national treasure worth fighting to preserve.
“We have worked closely with the London Borough of Harrow’s planning advisors throughout the process and we are grateful for their advice.”
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