Drop-in session: plans to construct two new theatres at the Royal Free Hospital
Date published:
28 June 2024
There will be a further opportunity to hear about plans to build two new theatres at the front of the Royal Free Hospital near the Heart Attack Centre at an in-person event on Wednesday 24 July.
Come along to the hospital’s atrium on the ground floor of our Pond Street site, just before the M&S café, any time between 5 to 7pm where you will have the opportunity to speak to the project team about the proposals, which are currently at pre-planning application stage.
The team will be on hand to answer questions about:
why the hospital needs two new theatres
the design and features of the plans
what we are doing to minimise the impact of construction for residents and patients
From the main hospital entrance on Pond Street, take the corridor to the left of the main reception area and the Atrium is just on your right, opposite the hospital picture gallery and just before the M&S café.
Why the hospital needs two new theatres
In line with the trust’s clinical vision for cardiovascular services and as the designated vascular surgical hub for north central London, the proposed theatre expansion will enable us to treat more patients, reduce the time people must wait for surgery and improve outcomes for those with cardiovascular disease. Tackling cardiovascular disease is one of the Royal Free London’s three group clinical priorities as it is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the UK and within north London.
Residents and staff had a first look at the plans on 25 June at an online event where Jason Constantinou, consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon and clinical lead for vascular surgery, spoke about how the increased demand for surgical vascular services in the area, largely driven by more people being diagnosed with diabetes, has made it necessary to expand the vascular surgical hub.
RFH currently has one hybrid theatre for vascular surgery, which was commissioned in 2010, making it one of the first vascular hybrid theatres in use in the NHS. Hybrid theatres are equipped to conduct both open surgery and have full x-ray facilities to carry out interventional radiology procedures.
Jason said: “The proposed expansion of our surgical vascular hub will be hugely beneficial for patients, enabling faster access to the treatment they need and ensuring equity of care for patients across north central London.
“We are committed to providing the very best care for our patients and these plans will enhance the service and facilities we provide as well as delivering a better working environment for staff.”
A planning application is due to be submitted to Camden Council in September 2024 for its consideration and approval before construction can begin. This will take into account community and stakeholder feedback.
Our proposal is to build the two new theatres next to the existing theatre block (on the western side of the main hospital building which looks onto Pond Street). This location is fundamental to hospital operations as it enables a direct connection to the existing theatre facilities.
How big is the proposed extension?
A two-storey extension at podium level is proposed (above the undercroft area – see pictures above) alongside rooftop plant accommodation.
Will access to the hospital site change?
No, patients and visitors will still be able to access the wider hospital site by vehicle or on foot via the undercroft area.
When are the works expected to start?
We are due to submit a planning application to Camden Council in September 2024. The council will then formally consult with the public regarding the plans before deciding whether construction can go ahead. If the application is successful, we aim to start construction in May 2025.
How long will the works take?
It is anticipated that construction works will take 12 months. There will then be a period of commissioning (to install and test the equipment) and interior fit-out works before the new theatres are operational. This is expected to take up to 16 weeks post construction.
Will there be additional noise and an increase in traffic?
We understand the importance of minimising the impact of the proposed construction on our neighbours, patients, and staff.
A construction management plan is in the process of being prepared and will be submitted as part of the planning application. This will set out how the building contractor will seek to minimise disruption during the construction, such as:
using screening to reduce noise
undertaking some of the works off site and then assembling on site
holding construction vehicles away from the site until materials are needed
making deliveries outside of the busiest hours
undertaking work within acceptable hours
As part of this plan, we are currently undertaking a noise assessment and a transport survey to help us assess the impacts of the proposals.
Will the number of parking places at the hospital be affected?
The total number of car parking spaces will be the same as they are now. During part of the construction period, some of the RFH car parking spaces may be temporarily affected. We are currently looking at what this will mean as part of our construction management plan and will share further details in due course.
Why is it necessary to do these works? Are there any alternatives?
There is increased demand for vascular surgery across London with cases having risen by 30% in the past 10 years. Our current hybrid theatre was one of the first to be built in the NHS and after years of heavy use the imaging equipment needs replacing. We looked at several options, including refurbishment of the existing space, but this was not considered to be viable as the service downtime would be detrimental to patient care.
Constructing two new theatres is a sustainable way forward, allowing us to meet patient demand, improve care and outcomes, employ the latest technology, and provide a suitable environment for staff.
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