Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital and their associated services today became part of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, making us one of the biggest trusts in the country.

The acquisition, which was approved by the secretary of state, will bring together the best in healthcare provision from both Barnet and Chase Farm and the Royal Free to ensure patients across all our sites have access to world class care and expertise.

For the past year clinicians and managers from both trusts have been looking at how we provide healthcare and carefully planning how best to run services as a single organisation. Part of our plan includes the redevelopment of Chase Farm Hospital, to turn it into a modern healthcare facility, which will enable us to run services more efficiently.

Nearly all patients will continue to be seen in the same location they were seen before 1 July 2014 and if there are any changes to this, they will be notified.

David Sloman, the chief executive of the Royal Free, said: “I am delighted to announce that Barnet and Chase Farm hospitals are now part of the Royal Free. We believe that by bringing our two organisations together we can provide the very best healthcare for patients across all our sites.

“This is the biggest development in the history of our organisation for 40 years and it is a hugely exciting time for everyone at the trust. I wish to welcome all Barnet and Chase Farm staff to the Royal Free and I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to ensure this transaction went ahead as smoothly as possible.”