Hospital submits planning application for redevelopment (From Harrow Times)

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore submits planning application for redevelopment

12:10pm Friday 4th January 2013 in News By Emma Innes

The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore says its future will be in jeopardy if plans to redevelop its site do not go ahead.

Currently, 60 per cent of the buildings are more than 60 years old and many wards were originally only designed for temporary use during the Second World War.

If plans just submitted receive consent, new wards, a multi-storey car park, accommodation for parents and children, a private patients unit, a staff accommodation block and residential units would be built.

Chief executive Rob Hurd said that every health minister who has visited the hospital in recent times has acknowledged the poor state of the existing facilities.

He said: “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.”

Proposals to redevelop the site have been considered for more than three decades, during which time a series of reviews have concluded that keeping the hospital on the same site offers the best option for patients.

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.

But the trust that runs the hospital says new permission is required as the existing permissions no longer safeguard the hospital's future.

Head of children's services Dr Benjamin Jacobs said the new facilities will be a huge boost for patients and families.

He 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.”