From 1 May responsibility for the ophthalmology service at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) will transfer to the Royal Free London (RFL).

The transfer will ensure that patients currently using the UCLH ophthalmology service continue to receive the world class care they expect.

As well as creating a larger ophthalmology service that combines the skills and expertise of both organisations, the transfer will also see the creation of a brand new ophthalmology facility next to the Mary Rankin dialysis unit at St Pancras Hospital. This is due to open in the late summer.

As part of the transfer, all UCLH ophthalmology staff will become part of the RFL, and it is likely that most patients will be continue to be treated by their former UCLH clinicians. However, patients will be kept fully informed of any changes to the service that take place in the months following the transfer.

Dr Susanne Althauser, clinical director of ophthalmology, said: “By bringing these two services together under a single organisation we can ensure that patients coming to us from across central and north London will continue to have access to the best possible treatments and care.”

Notes to editors

Media contacts: daniel.obrien1@nhs.net or call 020 7371 7740

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver, kidney and bone marrow transplantation, haemophilia, renal, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London.