Matthew joined Parliamentary colleagues in attending the opening of the rebuilt Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield by HRH The Duke of York, Prince Andrew.
The £200 million hospital building has been described as being “equipped for the digital age” and features an urgent care centre, an older person’s assessment unit and eight “state-of-the-art” operating theatres. It is now the primary location for planned surgery within the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, which also runs the Barnet and Royal Free hospitals and serves the constituents of Hendon.
After a tour of the new hospital and unveiling a plaque, The Duke of York buried a time capsule on the site. This was as a result of a time capsule that was found from when the original hospital building was constructed. In addition to the 32,000 sq. ft. building, the project enabled the construction of new homes and a three-form entry primary school. The cost of the school was covered by the Treasury and through the proceeds of sale of surplus land and not through the now discredited Private Finance Initiative.
Matthew said “The rebuilding of Chase Farm hospital is a great achievement for everyone in North West London. It will provide health care for people that is suitable for the 21st century at a nearby location.
"By using new technologies to improve patient experience and safety, the hospital will be able to allow patients to have greater control and involvement in their own care through a ‘patient portal’. Patients will be able to view their medical history, test results, and upcoming appointments making their treatment more convenient so that it fits in with modern lifestyles. This will mean different experiences to different people.”
Chase Farm was constructed before the announcement of the Government's NHS Long Term Plan. This will see £20.5 billion of expenditure each year in real terms by 2023-24 with a new focus on prevention – with £4.5 billion being invested in primary and community care – personal responsibility and promoting good health, and more rapid diagnostics and new treatments that will improve the care people receive.
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