As we near the end of 2024, we would like to take this opportunity to reflect on what has been another remarkable, exciting, and at times difficult, year at the Royal Free London (RFL).

It has been a year of challenges for the NHS and our trust – there has been a huge demand for our services; industrial action has continued to have an impact, and our emergency departments and urgent treatment centres have been busier than ever.

However, there has been plenty to celebrate. Our waiting lists are decreasing and our staff in our emergency departments are admitting, treating, or discharging patients more quickly compared to this time last year.

We are in the top 25 trusts nationally for how many people are seen quickly in our emergency departments, and we are also ranked in the top 35 nationally for how quickly we see our patients who need a diagnostic test.

We have been able to make progress in these areas, and more, thanks to the incredible dedication of our staff, who continue to go above and beyond for our patients.

This commitment was evident at our long service awards, where six colleagues were honoured for reaching an incredible 40 years of service – the highest number ever in one year – and 80 members of staff were recognised for 25 years of service. We are sure that you will join us in thanking them for their outstanding loyalty and hard work.

Excitingly, we launched our five-year clinical vision this year, which is our blueprint for bringing the best of the NHS to all our patients and really exemplifies our vision of world class expertise and local care.

It was a pivotal moment for our trust as we look to meet the growing demands on our services and create a healthier future for our local communities.

As we face another challenging winter season, the single most important thing that you can do to look after yourselves, your families, and communities is to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Those who are eligible for the COVID-19 and flu vaccines have until Thursday 19 December to book their appointment via the national booking service. Both vaccines will still be available through GPs and community pharmacies after this date.

There is also a team of health professionals in north central London on hand to help local residents stay well throughout winter. If you live in Camden, Barnet, Enfield, Islington or Haringey, you can find out how to access the care and support you need this winter via an online hub. The hub provides information on:

  • How to book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and get the care you need for your physical and mental health.
  • Protecting yourself and family from becoming unwell and how to book your vaccinations.
  • Staying well this winter and advice on treating minor illnesses and injuries at home.

Looking ahead, 2025 will be a really exciting time for our trust. We have now received final approval from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and will merge with North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust on 1 January, marking another historic moment for the RFL.

There has been a huge amount of planning and collaboration that has taken place behind the scenes to reach this milestone. But this process has shown us that the benefits of coming together still stand – we will be able to go further and faster in improving services for patients and improving the health of our local communities.

On behalf of our staff and patients, thank you for your continued support. We wish you a safe and happy festive season.

Mark Lam, Royal Free London group chair

Peter Landstrom, Royal Free London group chief executive