The new non-executive director of a leading hospital says he hopes to help the it grow in the future.

Joe Carlebach, a councillor on Hammersmith and Fulham Borough Council, was appointed to the role for the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust (RNOH), which is based in Stanmore and in central London.

Mr Carlebach, who is also on the board NHS Hammersmith & Fulham and Inner North West London PCTs, started his new role last week.

He said: "I am delighted and honoured to join the board as non-executive director “The trust has an outstanding reputation for patient care and leading edge research.

"I look forward to playing an active role and contributing to the RNOH's continued growth, success and development in all its major activities.”

RNOH Chairman Professor Anthony Goldstone said: “I am delighted that Cllr Joe Carlebach will be joining the trust board.

“He has a wealth of commercial and public sector experience that will add great value to this trust and we look forward to working with him."

Last year the hospital was granted planning permission to redevelop the site where more than half the buildings are more than 60 years old and many wards were originally designed for temporary use during the Second World War.