Bob Blackman, the Conservative candidate for Harrow East, invited Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore to see how the redevelopment of the hospital is coming along.

After years of campaigning for a funding injection to help rebuild the aging facilities, Mr Blackman organised a visit for the Secretary of State to see the progress being made on the building work.

The rebuild was only made possible when the NHS Trust Development Authority finally agreed to a loan of £20million to start the first phase of development, following a series of meetings with Jeremy Hunt and a debate held by Mr Blackman in Parliament to press its importance.

Mr Blackman said: “It is wonderful to see the site progressing so well and ahead of schedule even. It will usher in a new era for the hardworking and exceptional staff at this world renowned hospital as they finally have modern facilities to support their work.

“This would not have been possible without the tenacious hard work of chief executive Rob Hurd, whom I have been pleased to work with previously to secure this funding and who continues to ensure a world class service is maintained at the RNOH.”

The Health Secretary added: “I was pleased to visit and see the development of this excellent hospital starting to come to fruition, and I must commend chief executive Rob Hurd, and Bob Blackman, for their tireless work in securing the funding that was needed.

“This is an excellent outcome for all concerned and I look forward to seeing it again once completed.”