06.02.2015
Rob Hurd said patients at the hospital in Stanmore, north-west London, are being treated in buildings which are "dying", having originally been built as temporary shelters in the Second World War.
The decline of the site could see an end to the high standard of care provided at the hospital, with patients at risk if urgently-required upgrades are not made.
The issues have been steadily getting worse for more than two years. An £84m redevelopment was approved in January 2013, but progress has stalled to the point that the hospital could face closure.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Hurd said that "over the long term, the ability to service patients' needs is declining".
"Over time, that will mean the breakup of a national centre of excellence," he continued. "We're concerned about that long-term outlook for the hospital."
Staff At UK's National Hospital For Spinal Surgery Fear It Is 'Slowly Dying'
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital – the UK's specialist centre for dealing with complex hip and spinal problems – is in crisis, the facility’s chief executive revealed this week.Rob Hurd said patients at the hospital in Stanmore, north-west London, are being treated in buildings which are "dying", having originally been built as temporary shelters in the Second World War.
The decline of the site could see an end to the high standard of care provided at the hospital, with patients at risk if urgently-required upgrades are not made.
The issues have been steadily getting worse for more than two years. An £84m redevelopment was approved in January 2013, but progress has stalled to the point that the hospital could face closure.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Hurd said that "over the long term, the ability to service patients' needs is declining".
"Over time, that will mean the breakup of a national centre of excellence," he continued. "We're concerned about that long-term outlook for the hospital."
Expert Opinion
The services provided by the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital offer critical care for those who have suffered serious spinal injuries, which makes it extremely concerning to hear reports that the facility is in danger of closure. <br/> <br/>“Through our work representing those who have suffered spinal injuries we have seen first-hand the first-class treatment offered at this hospital. It would be awful if it was allowed to close as it is regarded as a centre of excellence for spinal injury care. <br/> <br/>“Rehabilitation, care and support is absolutely crucial for those who have suffered a serious injury of any kind, and we hope that progress can be made on the redevelopment of the hospital, to ensure it can still offer the much-needed treatment patients with spinal injuries require. <br/> <br/>“Failure to improve the facilities will lead to its eventual closure and the loss of a critical service for those with spinal injuries in the UK.” Colin Ettinger - Consultant
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