Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust

14/10/2026

We're delighted to share that Astrid Pheiffer, an Occupational Therapist in RNOH's Upper Limb Team, has been selected for the NIHR - Health and Care Research North London Research Internship for Skill-building and Excellence (RISE) programme's highest tier, Evolve.

Astrid was one of only 23 healthcare professionals from across North London chosen for this prestigious programme, which supports clinicians to develop advanced research skills and explore a future career as a clinical academic practitioner.

Over the next nine months, Astrid will undertake specialist research training and professional development activities, including patient and public involvement workshops, attendance at the British Elbow and Shoulder Society annual scientific meeting, and formal research training through City St George’s, University of London and Queen Mary University of London London.

Astrid's success follows her recent participation in the NIHR Associate PI Scheme, where she gained practical experience supporting research delivery at RNOH.

Astrid said: "I'm really grateful for the opportunity to be part of the NIHR NL RISE programme. This internship will provide me with the protected time, training and academic support to develop my research skills, explore important questions about patient recovery and take the next steps towards a clinical academic career."

Congratulations, Astrid. We're proud to support colleagues who are helping shape the future of patient care through research. 💙

14/10/2026

Exciting news for clinical research in London 👏

RNOH is pleased to support the new London Launchpad Regional Accounts for Clinical Researchers (RACR) programme, led by UCL

The initiative will help early-career clinical researchers and those returning to research after a career break by providing access to valuable networks, development opportunities and career support.

By bringing together NHS organisations, universities, charities and research centres, the programme aims to strengthen the future clinical research workforce and ultimately improve patient care.

Find out more here 👇

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2026/may/ucl-lead-london-launchpad-postdoctoral-clinical-academics

13/10/2026

📢 Have you experienced a bone or joint infection?

Researchers at the University of Oxford want to hear from patients, carers and healthcare professionals to help shape future bone and joint infection research in the UK.

✅ Over 18 years old
✅ Patient, carer, family member, friend or healthcare professional
✅ Survey takes around 10 minutes

Your experiences and priorities could help influence future research and improve care for others affected by bone and joint infections.

🔗 Take part: https://tinyurl.com/3e9xp37z

09/10/2026

🌟 100 vaccinations in one week - thank you, Matt! 🌟

A huge thank you to Matt Smith, Senior Theatre Matron, who has personally vaccinated 100 theatre colleagues this week.

By helping so many staff get protected against flu, Matt is helping to reduce the risk of illness, protect our vulnerable patients, support colleagues and keep vital services running throughout the winter months.

This is a brilliant example of dedication, teamwork and leadership in action.

👏 Well done, Matt, and thank you for everything you're doing to keep Team RNOH healthy.

We're aiming for a 65% staff flu vaccination rate, so if you haven't had your jab yet, now is the perfect time to get protected and play your part in keeping our services running smoothly this winter.

07/10/2026

Benita Hexter, Clinical Specialist and Lead Physiotherapist, LSCIC, attended the Spinal Injuries Association annual Rebuilding Lives Conference.

Benita was invited to be part of a panel discussion: The Future of SCI Care – An Expert Perspective.

One year on from the publication of the All‑Party Parliamentary Group report ‘From Fragmented to Coordinated: Building a National Spinal Cord Injury Strategy’, the panel explored the progress to date and the priorities that lie ahead. The panel was asked to examine the challenges facing spinal cord injury care, highlight emerging opportunities, and discuss how collective action across the sector can drive meaningful, long‑term change.

Benita was joined on the discussion panel by Dr Mo Belal, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham; Dr Krystyna Walton, Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine, Salford Royal Hospital and Chair of the Rehabilitation, Complex Disability and Spinal Cord Injury CRG for NHSE; and Dr Adrian Hayter, Chief Medical Officer, NICE.

HRH The Princess Royal observed the discussion, offering insight and closing the day.

On the second day, Benita was part of a group sharing a plan to develop educational material to help services meet the standards for specialist rehabilitation of spinal cord injury. The intention is to use SIA and MASCIP resources to produce expert, lived experience informed educational material to support those with spinal cord injury.

Photo shows Benita, far left, with the panellists and HRH Princes Royal.

06/10/2026

Last Friday saw the 60th anniversary of Radio Brockley and to mark it, there was a whole day of special programming - plus a visit from Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Yogesh Teli, and Mayoress Neela Teli and other guests throughout the day to celebrate. Radio Brockley's 60 years means the station has been around for exactly half the life of RNOH!

02/10/2026

Flu vaccination hub opens at RNOH! 🎉

There was a real buzz in the Vaccination Hub on Thursday morning as the RNOH staff flu vaccination programme officially got under way.

Great to see Chief Nurse Bev Thomas, Chief Medical Officer Dr Lila Dinner and Chief of Staff Fraser Rogers leading by example and first in line to get their flu vaccinations, followed by many other colleagues from across the trust.

As we head into winter, having your flu vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your colleagues, your family and our patients.

Many of the people we care for are particularly vulnerable, so every vaccination helps make a difference.

How to get your vaccination:

✅ Book an appointment at the staff Vaccination Hub (next to Broccles restaurant, behind Occupational Health) between 8am and 7pm, Mon to Fri (see Grapevine for booking link)

✅ Walk in to the staff Vaccination Hub between 12pm and 2pm, Mon to Fri

✅ Get vaccinated by one of our many peer vaccinators across both sites

The Vaccination Hub is open from 1 to 28 October, and don't forget to collect your free hot drink voucher after your jab!

01/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Evangeline (Vangie) Martinez, Research Nurse in our London Spinal Cord Injury Centre, who has been selected for the NIHR - Health and Care Research Developing Research Leaders programme.

Vangie is the first member of staff from RNOH to secure a place on the prestigious national programme. Over the next three years, she'll help strengthen research across the Trust, supporting colleagues who want to get involved in research and creating more opportunities to improve patient care through innovation.

Vangie said: "I want to help colleagues understand that there are many ways to be involved in research. You don't have to become an academic researcher. Research can be part of everyday clinical practice, and there are opportunities for everyone to contribute."

We're incredibly proud of Vangie and excited to see the positive impact her leadership will have for patients, staff and the wider healthcare community.

💙 Read more on our website: https://www.rnoh.nhs.uk/news/research-nurse-begins-national-leadership-programme-champion-research-rnoh

29/09/2026

60 years ago this Fri, 2 Oct, Radio Brockley began broadcastng - in this former WW2 air raid shelter!

Here are four of the original founder members of Radio Brockley returning 60 years later to the site of one of the original huts to house London's longest running independent radio station at the RNOH NHS Trust
David Wilkins, Barry Cobden, Ian Downs and Malcolm Mallett will all share their memories in a special programme this Friday evening from 6pm

29/09/2026

Play brings comfort to young patients at RNOH

Our paediatric research team has received a Play Well distraction box from Starlight Children's Foundation, packed with activities including Lego, stationery and a Nintendo Switch to help children feel more relaxed during healthcare and research procedures.

The box will support young patients taking part in studies including the SarcoSight trial and the Prepare Kids study, helping make their experience as positive and comfortable as possible.

Paediatric research nurse Nilophar Mauzer said:

"An infusion feels a little less long and daunting when you have a playful distraction. Keeping a child still, calm and comfortable is essential for both their safety and the safety of the staff involved."

A huge thank you to Starlight for supporting children and young people taking part in research at RNOH. 💙

Read more on our website.