New hospital keeps royal connection
The spirit of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary will live on in the newly developed City Hospital which will be called the Royal Derby Hospital from today.
The new Royal Derby Hospital has been described by the Medical Director of the NHS, Sir Bruce Keogh, on a recent visit as; "a facility of international standing", and, "the NHS as it's best."
Meanwhile, not to be forgotten, the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary site which was home to the City's main emergency care facilities for decades will now be called the London Road Community Hospital to reflect its changed, but still important role as home to many non-emergency hospital services.
The aim of the new London Road Community Hospital is to provide a choice of locally accessible services for people and will promote health and well-being. These range from some outpatient clinics to specialist rehabilitation which will help support people with long-term conditions, as well as those who require ongoing therapy.
In addition, two wards comprising of the former Grove Unit will remain at this location along with the Walk in Centre, managed by NHS Derby City which is still open and will continue to be situated on Osmaston Road.
The London Road Community Hospital is already open and continues to be used by patients for some outpatient and rehabilitation care. However, over the next three years the area around the main entrance will be redeveloped to create a 2nd state-of-the-art healthcare facility managed by Derby Hospitals within the City.
Julie Acred, Chief Executive at Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "This year has seen a transformation of health services in Southern Derbyshire. We are very proud of our royal connections and were mindful that many of our patients had told us it was important to them that we retained the hospital's links to the Royal Family.
"Transferring the Royal Charter to the new hospital will give us continuity that will allow us to maintain and develop still further our reputation for patient care in a fabulous, first class hospital. We have pride in the past and confidence in the future and will continue our journey over the next few years to ensure Derby is well positioned to offer patients real choice and the best possible quality of care in all of our hospitals."
Words: Clare Riley
