Stanmore: Royal National Orthop?dic Hospital

Image: © Chris Downer Taken: 15 Jul 2008

Considering that, as its name suggests, this hospital has many amputees and wheelchair users among its patients, it is not the most suitable of premises. It is a former military site, with distinctive old buildings of that ilk and a large array of prefabricated buildings. Here, we look at the main entrance and can see the ends of some of the prefab wards which are connected by a central corridor on a formidable gradient. It brings to mind the San Francisco streets portrayed in films, which are steep but level out at each frequent crossroads. These wards are even called the "Slope wards" on the map in the Outpatients waiting room. The operating theatres are at the very bottom, and one sure puts one's faith in the porters when one is being sent – literally – down! Anyhow, plans are afoot to completely rebuild the hospital nearby, and a £16-million fundraising campaign is underway.

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