New Chase Farm Hospital building set to host 10,000 operations each year, writes James Cracknell

Staff at the new £200m Chase Farm Hospital building have welcomed their first patients

Newly-rebuilt Chase Farm Hospital has welcomed its first patients.

The £200million hospital building is described as being “equipped for the digital age” and features an urgent care centre, older person’s assessment unit, and eight “state-of-the-art” operating theatres.

Chase Farm will now be the primary location for planned surgery within the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, which also runs the Barnet and Royal Free hospitals – delivering an expected 10,000 operations each year.

Accessibility has also been greatly improved at the hospital in The Ridgeway, which was originally founded in 1948 – the same year as the National Health Service. There is a hospital concierge service situated in the main lobby and volunteers will help patients and visitors find their way around.

In addition, the hospital is testing new technologies to improve patient experience and safety. This includes patients having greater control and involvement in their own care through a ‘patient portal’. They will be able to view their medical history, test results, and upcoming appointments.

Natalie Forrest, chief executive of Chase Farm Hospital, said: “It’s exciting to welcome patients into our brand new hospital. We are very proud and know it will offer the people of Enfield, as well as the wider population we serve, a brilliant environment to deliver the very best of modern healthcare.”

While Chase Farm’s accident and emergency department was closed five years ago, the new urgent care centre (UCC) can treat minor illness or injury that isn’t life-threatening, including sprains, strains and broken bones; minor burns and scalds; minor head and eye injuries; and bites and stings. No appointments are needed and the UCC is open every day from 8am to 10pm.

The old hospital buildings, including some structures that are more than 130 years’ old, are now being redeveloped for housing and education.

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