Tories will push hospital plans

Feb 3 2010 By Ian Proctor, Harrow Observer

A TORY government would be determined to see through the much-delayed redevelopment of Stanmore's Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), leading Conservatives have said.

Board members of the hospital in Brockley Hill have long lobbied the NHS and even the prime minister to secure the cash needed to replace its ageing buildings.

But, while the response has been positive, the necessary money has never been explicitly committed. The hospital provides neuro-musculoskeletal healthcare, including treatment for acute spinal injuries, orthopaedic medicine and rehabilitation.

Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley and Brent councillor Bob Blackman, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Harrow East, visited the site last Wednesday to discuss the project with the chief executive and the medical director of the hospital trust.

Mr Blackman said: "The hospital does a brilliant job in dreadful facilities and desperately needs to be rebuilt.

"The government constantly prevaricates about providing the funding for this project.

Clearly, they do not regard it as a priority.

"Labour will slash the capital funding for new hospital rebuilding if re-elected.

"If elected, I will press the newly elected Conservative government for funding to rebuild this hospital so the excellent work carried out can continue in modern facilities."

Mr Lansley said: "We give our full support to the project and are determined it should go ahead.

"This should happen in the fastest available timescale, given the cost and risk of maintaining services in the woefully inadequate accommodation."