Over half of the hospital’s buildings were built over 60 years ago – many intended for temporary war-time purpose, and the RNOH has just submitted for local authority approval its plans for an £84m redevelopment scheme.
Jackie Stephen, head of corporate affairs, learning and development for the RNOH, said: “This is a critical time in the Trust’s history. We are working towards Foundation Trust status by April 2014 while also embarking on a major redevelopment, which will see the site transformed to meet the needs of patients in the twenty-first century.
“We were impressed with Grayling’s ability to combine significant NHS understanding with political and stakeholder planning experience and we are delighted to be working with them on this campaign.”
Part of the Huntsworth group, Grayling was selected for having in-depth NHS knowledge and specialist planning expertise and the account will be led by Kathryn Ager, director in Grayling’s public sector, health and skills division.
“This is a very exciting account to win. Despite its reputation as a national and international centre for excellence, the RNOH is not as well known as other specialist Trusts and patient care is being delivered in dilapidated conditions,” Ager said.
“After three decades of lobbying and debate, the RNOH is now at a stage where it can secure its long-term future, subject to a successful planning application. Our role is to help ensure that local residents, stakeholders and politicians are aware of the opportunity that this planning application affords. It’s an exciting challenge and one that we are delighted to help them meet,” she added.