Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital

The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), located in Stanmore, London, is one of the world's leading specialist orthopaedic hospitals. It provides a comprehensive range of neuromuscular skeletal treatments — from acute spinal cord injuries and complex bone tumors to orthopaedic medicine and specialist chronic back pain rehabilitation — a breadth of services unique within the UK's NHS. As an international center of excellence, RNOH's Private Patient Service treats adults and children from around the world. Many patients are referred by consultant physicians from other hospitals seeking second opinions or treatment for complex and rare conditions. According to hospital data, 20% of all UK orthopaedic surgeons receive their training at RNOH. The hospital's partnership with University College London in research and academia significantly enhances its teaching and clinical quality. RNOH's history dates back to 1905, with roots extending to 1838. During World War I, it served as an emergency military hospital. In 1930, it became a pioneer in treating polio and tuberculosis. After becoming a postgraduate training hospital in 1945, an associated Institute of Orthopaedics was established. In 1948, it joined the NHS as an independent teaching hospital. Royal visits include the Prince of Wales establishing a rehabilitation assessment unit in 1979, and the Princess of Wales opening the London Spinal Cord Unit in 1984. Today, RNOH treats over 130,000 outpatients and approximately 17,000 inpatients annually — the largest volume in Europe.