Our heritage

Providing emergency care during the First World War.

During the First World War, the hospital became an emergency hospital for the military and in early 1918 also housed discharged disabled soldiers. His Majesty King George V and Queen Mary visited the hospital on two occasions to show support to the soldiers and in admiration of the hospital’s work.

In 1920 we saw the start of a RNOH hospital funds appeal and our first annual fundraising event ‘Buttercup Day’ was launched by HRH the Duke of Gloucester, Patron of RNOH. In the 1930s the hospital became known as the leading centre for the treatment of poliomyelitis and tuberculosis and in 1936 the building of the then called ‘Stanmore Cripples Training College’ was started.

The first quarter of the twentieth century saw RNOH at the forefront of significant advances in the treatment of orthopaedic conditions. Advances in scientific investigations made the diagnosis of disabling conditions more accurate, and often at an earlier stage in the patient’s illness. This meant that patients where there was no possible cure, could still be provided with appropriate treatment and the opportunity to be relieved of their pain.

Caring for civilians from across the country during the Second World War

With the outbreak of the Second World War the hospital had many steel structured ‘Nissen’ huts built to house civilian orthopaedic cases and casualties. Patients came to RNOH from across the country, including those from other hospitals near the coast, areas close to airfields and other military installations.

Training Hospital established

RNOH was recognised as a postgraduate teaching hospital in 1945. A recommendation was also made that an Institute of Orthopaedics should be founded and that it should be associated with RNOH. With the formation of the Institute came the joint appointment of Mr Herbert Seddon who brought together the two centres to work in partnership. In 1964 Mr Herbert Seddon was recognised for his work in orthopaedics and was awarded a Knighthood. Today, RNOH’s Sir Herbert Seddon Teaching Centre continues to host high quality training in orthopaedics.

Introduction of the NHS and first hip replacement

1948 saw the start of the National Health Service from which time RNOH became an independent teaching hospital.

In December 1948, Norman Sharp became the first person to receive a hip operation on the newly –formed NHS. This pioneering surgery was carried out by Phillip Newman at RNOH. Norman was fitted with two alloy hip cups aged just 23. These went on to be listed in the Guinness World Record Books for longest lasting hip replacement.

RNOH’s exceptional work into orthopaedic care continued when in 1950 the hospital’s range of treatments expanded to include scoliosis, back care, leg inequality, hand and peripheral nerve injuries.

Training and research continues to play an important part in the hospital’s work, resulting in the development of dedicated units, the training and teaching of consultants overseas as well as UK medical students and nurses.

Growing RNOH’s specialist services

At RNOH we are proud to offer specialist treatment and support.

In 1979, HRH The Prince of Wales opened a Rehabilitation Assessment Unit, built with funds raised by the British Motor Racing Drivers Association, in memory of Graham Hill who had once been a patient at the hospital and a Council member of the Friends.

Following years of research and treatment into spinal injuries, RNOH opened one of the first of its kind, Spinal Injuries Unit. The London Spinal Unit was officially opened by HRH the Princess of Wales in 1984