The MP for Harrow East has publically expressed his support for the plans to redevelop Stanmore’s Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.

Bob Blackman said that the current site is no longer fit for purpose and that he is delighted to support plans by the hospital trust to rebuild much of the ageing site, parts of which date back to the Second World War.

He said: “I am delighted to support The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital’s application to redevelop its site to make it equipped to meet the needs of patients in the 21st century. 

“The current site is clearly no longer fit for purpose, as anyone who has visited will know.

“Without this redevelopment the future of the trust is in jeopardy. As well as being a major local employer, RNOH is also one of the top centres for musculo-skeletal and orthopaedic care not just nationally but internationally.

“We should be extremely proud to have this national treasure right on our doorstep and need to do all we can as a community to support and preserve it.”

The trust submitted its planning application to Harrow Borough Council in January, and a decision is expected on March 21.

If plans receive consent, new wards, a multi-storey car park, accommodation for parents and children, a private patients unit, a staff accommodation block and residential units will be built.