RNOH Welcome Pack - Information For Patients

The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital is a national centre of excellence, treating patients from across the UK and many other parts of the world. The hospital was founded in 1905 and has a site in Bolsover Street as well as in Stanmore.

During both World Wars, the hospital provided vital orthopaedic services for military personnel and many of the Nissen huts built during the Second World War are still standing. Since then, RNOH has continued to be a leading centre of excellence, offering a unique range of neuro-musculoskeletal services (diagnosing and treating conditions involving nerves, muscles, soft tissue, and bones) and leading the way in research and development.

In 2018, The Stanmore Building was opened, enhancing patient experience and providing staff with an improved working environment. The wards in The Stanmore Building are:

• First Floor: Sir William Coxen Children and Young Peoples Unit
• Second Floor (Adult): The London Irish Ward
• Third Floor (Adult): Duke of Gloucester Ward
• Fourth Floor: RNOH Private Care

The RNOH Stanmore site is set within over more than 100 acres of grounds and celebrated it’s 100th anniversary in 2022.

"Great nurses, incredible surgeons, friendly, and nothing was too much trouble." RNOH Patient August 2021

Our Wards

The Stanmore Building was opened in December 2018. The Stanmore Building houses Private Care, the Sir William Coxen Ward (for Children and Adolescents), the Duke of Gloucester and the London Irish Ward. The

London Spinal Cord Injury Centre (LSCIC) at RNOH is one of only 11 in the UK designated to receive and treat spinal cord injured patients. We are privileged to have a beautiful Horatio’s Garden attached to this unit, where patients can convalesce in a colourful landscaped garden, undertaking creative workshops.

The Jubilee Rehabilitation Ward specialises in pain management programmes, hypermobility syndrome, chronic regional pain syndrome, and shoulder and peripheral nerve rehabilitation.

The Adult Day Surgery Unit has 14 beds and ensures that the day surgery pathways deliver excellent experiences and outcomes for our patients.

The Coleman Unit is our short stay unit. It is a single sexed ward of 17 beds arranged into two big bays with a day room.

Surgical Admission and Procedure Unit (SAPU) opened on 1 November 2021. Some surgical patients are admitted through the unit and see their surgical team and anaesthetist before being sent to their allocated ward or directly to theatre if first on the list. From 8.30am the unit is used for the chronic pain day case lists and CT biopsy patients.

We want to give our patients the best possible care and create a great workplace for our staff. Our Trust values and our work are underpinned by four values that we embody in our behaviour:

• Patients first, always
• Excellence, in all we do
• Trust, honesty and respect, for each other
• Equality, for all

A Team approach

Our aim is to help you to:

• Agree an individual plan of care
• Promote and maximise your independence
• Plan your safe and timely discharge

In addition to nurses and doctors, you will be cared for by a range of experienced healthcare professionals and support staff. All our staff wear name badges and will introduce themselves to you. You may also see other staff during your stay, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, speech and language therapists, phlebotomists (staff who take blood samples), porters, domestic staff, security staff, administrative staff, estates staff and pharmacists. They all play an important role in keeping the hospital running. If you’re not sure who anyone is, or why they have come to see you, please ask.

Many staff on the wards work in shifts. At the beginning and end of each shift you may see staff gathered together talking. This is an important part of making sure that everyone has the right information about each of the patients on the ward. Staff on the ward will be busy, but please talk to them if you have any questions. They will be happy to help and if they don’t know the answer, they will find out from someone who does.

To reduce the risk of infection all our staff will be ‘bare below the elbow’ which means they do not wear long sleeves, bracelets, jewellery or wrist watches. Staff will wash/gel their hands before and after each patient contact.

There is a cabinet next to each hospital bed for your personal possessions and medicines. Please do not bring any valuables, large amounts of money or large bags or suitcases with you into hospital. We will not accept responsibility or liability for any loss or damage to a patient’s property under any circumstances, unless it has been handed in and signed for by a member of hospital staff.

“Kelly (Mealtime Buddy Volunteer) intuitively knew what I needed as I came round after my operation. I was hungry and very emotional. She was just ‘there’ and recognised just what I needed, when I needed it, with no fuss and such gentleness.” RNOH patient, Duke of Gloucester Ward

Eating and drinking properly is important to help you recover. While hospital meals may not be the same as your favourites at home we aim to make them tasty and nutritious, with plenty of choice. Please tell us if you have any dietary requirements and we will work with you to make sure your meals meet your needs. Throughout the day we also offer drinks and snacks. Please tell us if you are hungry or thirsty.

Our lunch and evening meal times are protected to give you the opportunity to eat in peace.

Remember - If you need help at mealtimes a member of the nursing team or a volunteer will support you.

Mealtimes may vary, but are usually around:

• Breakfast 7:30am - 8:30am
• Lunch 12pm - 1pm
• Dinner 5pm - 6pm

Your call bell will be placed in easy reach so you can call for assistance if needed and we will come as soon as possible. Often other staff or volunteers may also be able to help, so please do consider asking them.

We ask all patients (and visitors) to keep their phones on silent. Please do not use your mobile during mealtimes and at night when others are trying to sleep. If you use your mobile to listen to music, you must use your headphones to respect the needs of other people on your ward. We ask you not to talk on the telephone after 10pm to prevent disturbing other patients.

We are a smoke free site. Smoking indoors is against the law and we ask people not to smoke anywhere in the grounds and gardens.

We understand that people have travel, work, or personal commitments, and cannot always attend during set visiting times. We aim to be flexible in our visiting arrangements, so please speak to your nurse about suitable visiting times on your ward.

Generally, our wards have visiting times of 1pm - 8pm. Most wards ask that you have no more than two visitors at your bedside at any one time. Our wards do restrict visiting during lunchtime. If you wish young children to visit, please speak to your nurse to make sure suitable arrangements are in place to ensure other patients are not disturbed. If you are the main carer for a patient, please speak to the nurse in charge so we can accommodate your role if necessary. Due to COVID-19, ward visiting times and availability in the hospital may be liable to change. Contact the ward or check the RNOH website.

Laptops, tablets and mobile phones can be used. However the Trust cannot be held responsible for their safety.

All items must be on silent mode and headphones used in bays or open wards. We ask you not to talk on the telephone after 10pm to prevent disturbing other patients. Free Wi-Fi is available across the site.

• Go to settings on your phone
• Turn Wi-Fi on
• Click NHS Free Wi-Fi
• You maybe asked to register

Our friendly Volunteer-run patient shopping trolley will visit the surgical wards offering a small selection of:

• Chocolates
• Boiled sweets
• Mints
• Savoury snacks
• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Cold drinks

We are only able to accept payment by card.

Our army of friendly volunteers, wearing bright yellow t-shirts are there to support you. They can undertake non-clinical tasks for you or have a chat, read a book or refill your water jug. As a national hospital many of our patients come a great distance and having visitors is difficult. Why not have a chat to one of our lovely volunteers? You can request a visit by emailing or calling rnoh.volunteering@nhs.net or 020 8909 5394.

“I was excited to be part of the Buttercup Collection. I have a long relationship with RNOH, having been under the care of skilled and devoted staff for more than 57 years. The buttercup is such a simple but joyful symbol…” Workshop participant

Wards in The Stanmore Building: Private Care, Duke of Gloucester, London Irish, and Coxen Wards, have a free-to-use patient entertainment system above the bed.

This consists of telephone, radio stations, internet and television with Freeview channels.

The telephone is free for you to use for UK numbers so you can call your friends and family. Pick up the phone and dial 9 then the number.

The television is free to use as well, please follow the instructions below.

You can also bring in your own electronic equipment. However, we are unable to accept responsibility for any loss or damage.

“Our Wellbeing Lead has been critical to keeping our colleagues well. All this support for staff translates to us being able to continue to provide excellent patient care.” Laura Bevan, Chief People Officer

How to use the television

This is a touch screen system.

Touch entertainment for the television, movies, books or radio or connect for the internet. The internet will give you the option to surf the net log into a selection of web pages or your emails. You can access BBC iPlayer if you have an account or Netflix via the internet or newspapers if you are subscribed.

Touch TV to watch the television.
Touch Movies to watch a film.
Touch Radio to listen to your favourite station.
Touch books to listen to or read a book.

Settings - there are 3 options:

• Language
• Simplify view
• Clear recent items

Radio Brockley

We have our own award-winning hospital radio station called Radio Brockley, which entertains our patients and is free to access.

While you are a patient here, you can expect our staff to take your privacy and dignity very seriously. Patients will share their bay or ward with members of the same sex or the sex they identify with. Sharing with members of the opposite sex will only happen when clinically necessary, for example when needing specialist equipment, such as in intensive care, or while being cared for in the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre (LSCIC).

By law we must ask for your written consent to carry out any surgery or treatment. Our doctor will talk you through your treatment or surgery explaining the risks, benefits and any alternative that may exist. If you have any questions or you do not understand something, do not sign the consent form until your questions have been answered to your satisfaction. The RNOH will maintain the highest level of confidentiality. We will only share information with your appointed representative or your next of kin when it is in your best interest to do so. We will share information about your treatment with your GP.

“I think that one of the most wonderful things about the room was the window and the sofa which were really inspirational in terms of getting up and moving again… Amazing surgeons and nurses in an amazing building.” Patient

The PALS service is confidential and free. Our PALS team is here to listen to you, your friends or relatives, and to help answer your questions, resolve your queries informally, or put you in touch with people who can. PALS also provides general information and support in relation to NHS services. They can listen to any suggestions you may have and also pass on your compliments to the staff concerned.

In the first instance, you may find it helpful to discuss your concern with a member of staff, who will try to help you with the issues you raise and provide satisfactory answers. You can ask to see the ward manager or matron or to request an appointment to see the consultant or doctor involved with your care.

You can visit us at the PALS office which is situated in the Outpatients Department of RNOH Stanmore, or call us and if possible we will visit you on the ward.

Email: rnoh.pals@nhs.net

Telephone: 0208 909 5439

Write to: PALS Department, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), Brockley Hill, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 4LP

How to give Friends and Family Test (FFT) feedback - Text to your mobile telephone

You may also receive a text from us and responding to the text is free. FTT provides real-time anonymous feedback on their experiences. FTT supports the idea that NHS service users should have the opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences.

QR Code

Please scan the code with your mobile phone and this will take you directly to the FFT.

7 simple steps to keep yourself safe during your stay in hospital

Preventing falls

Whilst you are in hospital you are at a higher risk of falling. There are several reasons for this including the effect of certain medications, the impact of surgery and being in unfamiliar surroundings.

To help prevent falls please:

• Keep everything you need within reach
• Use your call bell to get help
• Avoid stretching or bending to reach things
• Get out of bed if you are allowed to ….. s-l-o-w-l-y.
• Wear the non-slip socks provided or ensure your slippers are non-slip and that they fit
• Call a member of staff to help you get to the toilet or bathroom, until you are told that you are safe to go on your own – ‘call don’t fall’
• Always use your walking aids as advised

Preventing blood clots

Please wear your hospital stockings if advised by your nurse	Move around as much as you can, and try to do some simple leg and ankle exercises	Take blood thinning tablets or injections as advised	Drink fluids as recommended

Preventing infection

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after visiting the toilet and before all meals. Please ask a nurse if you need help to wash your hands.
• Ask your family and visitors to ensure they use the alcohol gel on their hands when entering and leaving the ward.
• Please challenge our staff and volunteers if you are unsure if they have washed their hands.
• Let us know if you have had diarrhoea or vomiting.

About your medicines

Please talk to us if you do not understand what your medicines are for. Let us know about any allergies you may have. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about any concerns you have, including possible side effects.

Pressure ulcers

Pressure ulcers are caused by lying in bed or sitting in one position for a long period of time. They can be avoided by keeping mobile, even in bed. Call us if you are uncomfortable. We can help you change position or provide a special mattress or cushion for additional support.

Identification

You will be given an ID band when you arrive. Please let us know if this, or any of your personal information (address, GP details, next of kin), is wrong.

Leaving hospital

There is a lot to think about when you leave, but make sure you:

• Have your discharge letter.
• Know when your follow-up appointment is.
• Have your medications, and have them explained to you.
• Know who to contact with any concerns.

“The Stanmore Building is the first step in putting in place our vision for a modern Stanmore site to match the RNOH’s standing as an international centre of excellence in specialist orthopaedics. The new building and patient facilities provide a wonderful environment for patient care and would not have been possible without the leadership shown by the RNOH Charity and the generous support of all of its donors. On behalf of the RNOH’s patients and staff, thank you so much for making it happen.” Dominic Dodd, Chair of the RNOH NHS Trust

Planning for your discharge home needs to start before you arrive. If you are worried, speak to the Discharge Team or the nurse in charge – we are here to support you.

Your doctor will have given you an estimation of how long they expect you to remain in hospital. We aim to discharge patients by 11am.

Patients are responsible for their own transport home unless eligible for patient transport. If you are not sure please ask the nurse in charge. Generally it is not appropriate to use public transport.

When you go home you may need extra support to help you while you recover.

By now we will have:

• Discussed what help you might need with the pre-admission team and organised help for when you return home
• Made arrangements for your transport home
• Restarted social services if previously used.

If you have any problems, speak to your nurse.

You need to:

• Take your medicines. These maybe different to those you were taking before coming into hospital
• Take any equipment or dressings that you will need at home
• Take your medical and/or insurance claim certificate
• Have an outpatient appointment arranged
• Receive a Fitness for Work certificate
• Receive information about anything you need to look out for, or precautions you need to take
• Collect any valuables you handed in 

We will:

• Write to your GP explaining why you have been in hospital
• Tell you how to care for your surgical wound
• Give you any information/explanations on any take home medications.

The Trust operates a zero tolerance policy in relation to aggressive behaviour towards staff and patients.

Patient Involvement We are actively seeking patients or interested persons to join our engagement and research teams. There is the opportunity to:

• Work with the Trust on developing new projects
• Become involved in research and feedback and focus groups using your lived experience, or by joining our regular Patient Group supporting the Trust in making real, lasting and positive changes from a patient perspective. For example, our Patient Charter has been co-produced with our patients and this Welcome Book received substantial feedback from our patients as to what they wanted included in it.

For more information: diane.young1@nhs.net or rnoh.volunteering@nhs.net

Our Patient Charter has been co-produced with our patients. If you would like to be involved in working with us to support new ideas and initiatives, either in our Patient Group, our co-production Team or by taking part in research, please contact Volunteer Services. We would be delighted to hear from you.

Developing our RNOH Patient Charter together

Scan here to find out more

“I had a great conversation. They explained exactly what the plans are and we knew exactly what to expect. The admission process was straightforward and all involved were very caring.” RNOH Patient October 2021

Duke of Gloucester and London Irish Wards

While on Duke of Gloucester and London Irish wards, patients can join in with a mobility group called ‘Stanmore Steppers’. Your therapy team will put you forward to attend when physically and medically able. The group provides an opportunity to meet and chat to other patients (adhering to current Covid rules) and to practice your mobility, increasing your stamina and confidence before you go home.

The group runs as follows:

Duke of Gloucester: Monday to Friday at 11.30am; Monday and Wednesday at 3pm

London Irish: Monday to Friday at 11am

‘Rise and Shine’ is a therapy led initiative on the Duke of Gloucester ward promoting early morning rehabilitation of encouraging patients to be dressed and sitting out of bed. This concept is important for all patients on all wards. Research has highlighted the benefits of moving around as soon as possible following your surgery. It is really important for your recovery to maintain your normal home routine of getting out of bed, sitting in your chair for meals and dressing in your own clothes.

The Disability Foundation

The Disability Foundation (TDF) offers complementary therapy treatments to all patients on the wards including massage, reflexology and reiki.

If you are feeling stressed, want to give yourself a boost or having trouble sleeping. Call us on 020 8954 7373, email info@tdf.org.uk or speak to your nurse. Treatments are offered on wards or online.

Broccles restaurant

Broccles restaurant located on the main road running through the site is open from:

Monday - Friday - 7:30am to 7pm
Weekends and Bank Holidays - 7:30am to 2:30pm

There are also 24 hour vending machines.

Starbucks

Starbucks in The Stanmore Building is open from:

Monday - Friday - 8am to 5pm
Weekends and Bank Holidays - Closed

Starbucks in the Outpatients Department is open from:

Monday - Friday - 8am to 5:30pm
Weekends and Bank Holidays - Closed

It sells a small selection of sandwiches, snacks and beverages.

Basilian

Basilian in the Aspire Leisure Centre is open from:

Monday - Thursday - 8am to 5pm
Friday - 8am to 3pm
Saturday - 9am to 3pm
Sunday and Bank Holidays - Closed

It sells freshly made hot and cold foods and homemade cakes.

Spiritual and pastoral care is for everyone, for people of all religions, or none. You do not have to follow a particular faith; we are committed to caring for individuals wherever they might be coming from, and to respecting people of every age, race, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation and culture. We will respond to everyone who asks to see us and will respect you, whoever you are.

The Chaplaincy is here to provide you, and your family or carers, with spiritual, religious or emotional support to enhance health and wellbeing during your hospital stay. You do not have to be religious to talk to the Chaplain.

The Chaplaincy can offer:

• A listening ear at a time of difficulty, challenge or crisis.
• Space to talk about life, purpose and the meaning of things.
• Support if you wish to practise your faith or spiritual tradition.
• Contact with representatives of world faith communities.
• Prayer support.
• Pastoral counselling.
• Help in bereavement.

The Chaplaincy can be contacted in any of the following ways:

• Telephone (external) 020 8909 5426 or (internal) ext 5426
• Ask your ward staff to contact us on your behalf.

Volunteer Services Our small, but perfectly formed, Volunteer Services department leads a dedicated and growing team of friendly and approachable volunteers who offer their time and skills to support staff, the Trust and, above all, our patients.

Funded by the RNOH Charity, our volunteers will help you during your stay, undertaking non-clinical tasks, including delivering your meals, staying for a chat, supporting you post-treatment, bringing round the patient shopping trolley (card payment only), and fetching books and magazines and medications.

So…say hello to our fellows in yellow - they are here to help!

"Well run, fantastic facilities and amazing staff" RNOH Patient August 2021

The Veterans Covenant Hospital Alliance (VCHA) is a group of over 70 NHS acute hospitals and Health Boards which have volunteered to develop, share and drive the implementation of best practice that will improve care for UK Armed Forces veterans. RNOH is a Veteran Aware Hospital and has been awarded the GOLD AWARD from the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme, for our demonstration of full commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. We are one of only 35 NHS trusts to gain GOLD.

We are proud to be Veteran Aware

Please let us know if you have ever served in the UK Armed Forces so that we can best support your care needs.

For more information, please visit: www.rnoh.nhs.uk/services/veterans

As a charity, we are passionate about the patients at the RNOH having an outstanding experience as they rebuild their lives, both physically and mentally. Our mission is to support the ground-breaking treatment that takes place here at the hospital and we do this by awarding grants, over and above what the NHS can provide. These go towards pioneering research, state-of-the-art buildings and equipment, and patient and staff wellbeing services.

Since 1997, entirely through the incredible generosity of our donors, we have provided millions of pounds’ worth in grants. This all supports vital work at the hospital, and you can see some of what we have funded around you today. Following are just a few highlights.

• Website: www.rnohcharity.org
• Twitter/X: @thernohcharity
• Instagram: @the.rnoh.charity
• Facebook: thernohcharity
• Youtube: TheRNOHCharity

We contributed over £3 million towards The Stanmore Building and funded a wide range of enhancements. These included the 61 fold-down beds so family can sleep over, the entertainment and communication systems at every patient bedside, a children’s activity centre, specially modelled on the Science Museum’s ‘Wonderlab’, hoists and travel systems to help patients move, and beautiful wall designs throughout the wards. We also worked closely with our Patron, HRH Princess Eugenie, Director of the internationally renowned art gallery, Hauser & Wirth, to create an inspiring and uplifting hospital environment through displays of art. Princess Eugenie is a former patient at the RNOH and it is through her dedication and the wonderful generosity of the gallery’s founders that patients are able to enjoy the artwork in the ward reception areas on each floor.

The Volunteer Service with its fleet of transport buggies

The RNOH’s skilled volunteers provide a wide range of invaluable support, such as spending time with patients needing some comforting conversation, helping with medical research, giving therapeutic massages, distributing medication and care packages, and running a message delivery service for families to contact loved ones.

“I have been so proud to undertake this personal challenge on behalf of the RNOH Charity who fund Volunteer Services – something very close to my heart and that I passionately believe in.” Diane Young, Patient Involvement and Volunteer Lead, completing an Ultra Walking Challenge

A new wellbeing area and a full-time Wellbeing Lead

Wholly dedicated to staff welfare and mental health, especially after the extreme and prolonged difficulties through the pandemic.

Cutting-edge equipment

Including the expansion of the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre, a rehab bike uniquely designed for children with bone cancer or lower-limb deformity, and the first ever low radiation scanner to be installed in a UK NHS hospital, reducing cancer risks.

Pioneering research and developments

Such as virtual reality treatment for phantom limb pain, which affects over 50% of amputees, and a study towards a breakthrough in treating military nerve injuries.

We are very proud to have awarded over £1.6 million during 2021, and now more than ever our fundraising ambitions are vitally important. We aim to raise over £4 million in three years to strengthen and support the hospital’s visionary plans, and will continue with our four main goals:

1. Enhancing the patient experience;
2. Improving the staff experience;
3. Creating a world-class facility;
4. Investing in medical research.

Together with our ongoing funding towards the volunteer service, staff wellbeing, and various crucial and costly pieces of equipment around the hospital, some exciting new projects include:

• An Independent Living Unit where patients with life-changing injuries can stay with their loved ones and better learn how to rebuild their day-to-day lives after their time at the RNOH;
• State-of-the art imaging equipment in the hospital’s operating theatres, enabling surgeons to see in far greater detail, while prioritising patient safety and comfort;
• Continuing with pioneering research and development, including studies into the long-term secondary mental and physical health impacts for those with complex orthopaedic conditions.

We want to say a huge thank you to our wonderful donors! The work we do to support our patients and staff is entirely dependent on their gifts, large and small, throughout the year. Each and every donation makes a difference to what we are able to accomplish and it is the passion, commitment, and kindness of our supporters that makes our mission a reality.

Many of our patients and staff, and together with their friends and families, have given to support our work, either through one-off or monthly donations or by taking part in a wide variety of fundraising events. From wheelchair half marathons, rickshaw racing in Thailand, and 100-mile cycle rides, to virtual coffee mornings, cricket matches and local gala dinners, the humour, energy and dedication of our supporters is always moving, and always inspiring!

We are also immensely grateful for generous grants from several charitable trusts and foundations who have given specifically towards some of our larger and more complex projects. Without their expertise, foresight, and investment, we would not have been able to complete critical pieces of work that will benefit our patients, now and into the future.

It has also been a privilege to develop partnerships with businesses and community organisations, both locally and further afield. Whether it is by adopting us as their Charity of the Year, or through generous one-off donations or gifts-in-kind, it is wonderful to see whole staff teams unite behind our cause – supporting ground-breaking orthopaedic developments to ‘make the impossible possible’.

If you would like to fundraise or support us, we would love to hear from you. Our Charity team can be reached at 020 8909 5362 and rnoh.charity@nhs.net. We would be delighted to help with any questions you may have.

One-off or regular giving

For the cost of a single standard text, you can donate up to £20 from your mobile. Just text RNOHCHARITY followed by your donation amount to 70085 - e.g. ‘RNOHCHARITY 3’, if you want to give £3*. You can also ask your nurse, or a volunteer, for a donation envelope, you can make out a cheque payable to ‘RNOH Charity’, or you can give through the contactless card payment terminal in the reception of the Stanmore Building.

A particularly valuable way of supporting our mission is to make a regular donation by Standing Order. You can do this by telephoning our team, who will be happy to set this up over the phone with you. You can also fill in the Standing Order form in our ‘Connections’ magazine, or set one up online, either through our website, or our Just Giving page.

Our website www.rnohcharity.org has further details, and if you scan this QR code with your mobile, it will take you directly there. 

We’re open to all sorts of ideas and if there is a particular fundraising event you’d like to complete for us we want to support you! We can book places on a range of exciting events across the UK, such as the Royal Parks Half Marathon, the South Coast Challenge, and the Thames Bridges Trek. We can also help you in organising your own DIY fundraising event with friends and family. And if you’d like to explore a corporate partnership with us, we can work with you to develop inspiring opportunities that are tailored to your company.

You can also support us by buying one of our beautiful, hand-crafted porcelain buttercups from a limited collection launched by our Patron, HRH Princess Eugenie. Designed by artist Clare Twomey MBE, each porcelain flower is unique and was handmade in workshops alongside staff and patients from the RNOH. The buttercup has long been an emblem of optimism at the RNOH, and the ceramic flowers are an exquisite symbol of both fragility and hope. Priced at £45, each one comes in a special gift box and they can be purchased at www.thebuttercupcollection.co.uk.

We invented the “Stanmore Hip”, a revolutionary hip prosthesis which was developed at the RNOH in the 1960s and which is still used and trusted all over the world today.

We have the largest bone cancer unit in Europe, treating children, teenagers and adults.

After years of researching spinal injuries, the RNOH opened its Spinal Cord Injury Centre in 1984. The Centre’s contribution to the UK’s spinal cord injury care is immense: it was here that clinicians first emphasised the importance of rehabilitation and restoration within hours of injury, and who revolutionised the length of time devoted to the treatment of spinally injured patients.

The pioneering ‘bionic bone’ for children, which ‘grows’ as they do, was developed at the RNOH. Before this, children often needed numerous invasive and painful operations. But this bionic bone can be lengthened remotely, in just 15 minutes, without surgery and without anaesthetic. It is now used all over the world, and our consultants have won numerous awards for it.