On 13 January 2020, a consultation which asks for people’s views on the future of planned orthopaedic surgery for adults in north central London was launched.

Hip and knee replacements are the best-known kind of planned orthopaedic surgery offered in the NHS, followed by other surgery of hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, feet, ankles and hands. At present, waiting lists are too long, too many operations are cancelled (many on the day) and demand for surgery is growing. This is driving the need for change.

The consultation asks for views on a new way to organise these services, which, if approved would result in the creation of two NHS hospitals with dedicated operating theatres and beds, for patients who need to stay overnight after their operation – Chase Farm Hospital and University College London Hospital, a choice of NHS hospitals for those needing day surgery and a choice of NHS hospitals for out-patient appointments.

Under the proposals, patients at The Royal Free Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital and Barnet Hospital would continue to have out-patient appointments at the hospital of their choice, with day surgery and surgery needing an overnight stay taking place at Chase Farm Hospital.

There would also be improvements to education classes, rehabilitation and support for patients with conditions such as dementia or a learning disability.

You can give your feedback on the proposals in a number of ways, including the online questionnaire or by attending an event. The consultation can also be contacted by calling
0808 1567192, or emailing: NLP_ORTH@participate.uk.com.

A consultation document and summary has been published to explain the proposals in full, which is available at: www.northlondonpartners.org.uk/orthconsultation. This webpage also has details of the events.