Sitting on the edge of greater London, and just a five-minute drive from the Kent countryside, is a hospital boasting a world-class team of health providers serving the population of south-east London.
The Princess Royal university hospital, or PRUH as it is affectionately known, is part of King’s College hospital NHS foundation trust – one of London’s largest and busiest teaching hospitals, and a key training centre for doctors, dentists and nurses.
Located in Locksbottom, near Orpington, in the London borough of Bromley, the PRUH is a large district general hospital, with more than 400 beds, it offers a range of services from 24-hour emergency care, medical and critical care, to oncology, paediatrics and maternity care. At the same time, it is part of a university teaching hospital with an international reputation, offering exceptional facilities on site for education and training of staff.
Matthew Trainer, managing director of the PRUH, says: “There are things we are doing that our sister hospital, King’s College hospital in Denmark Hill has also benefited from. For instance, Bromley has the highest number of over-65s in London, and we have developed a first-class frailty service.
“We also have 5,000 babies born here every year, and we have invested in the paediatric ward and special care baby unit – which has been praised as a ‘jewel in the crown’ by Health Education England.”
With 2,800 staff, the hospital is now one of Bromley’s biggest employers. Built in 2003, on the eastern part of the former Farnborough hospital, the PRUH prides itself on its strong sense of community shared by all staff.
“Staff are very committed and want it to be one of the best hospitals,” says Trainer. “There is a real buzz about the place. A lot of staff come here and want to stay and build both a career and a life locally. We have a dedicated education centre on site and as well as the opportunities here, there are also opportunities available at the trust’s other sites.”
Although there is a high proportion of older people, growing numbers of families are moving to the area, attracted by the strong reputation of the local primary and secondary schools.
Debbie Hutchinson, director of nursing lives in nearby West Malling and her two sons now go to a secondary school in the borough of Bromley. She spent 20 years working at King’s College hospital before moving to the PRUH in 2016. She says the attraction of the area is not just that the schools are good. “It is an easy commute to central London – and you can also get to the airports, the Channel tunnel and the countryside. There are also good sports facilities, good shopping centres, and restaurants. Properties aren’t cheap, but they are not as expensive as London. There are great opportunities for nurses here who can have flexible shifts. They will benefit from education and training. There is also a chance to get involved in project work outside your normal specialty.”
One nurse who has reaped the benefits of working at the PRUH is 29-year-old Marifel Mojo, who was recruited from the Philippines, where she had worked as a cardiac ITU nurse. She started off as a staff nurse and is now a junior sister on the cardiology ward.
“I really appreciate the chances I have been given at the hospital. Moving across the world and leaving my family behind was a big step.
“There are other Filipino nurses at the hospital, but everyone has made me feel very welcome. I love my job and want to stay here. I have already progressed quickly and I want to carry on up the career ladder.”
She is not the only one to have forged a career at the hospital and enjoy living outside the capital. Bromley-born Penny Conrad returned to the area in 2005 – and recently moved to nearby Swanley with her husband and two children. Today she is a senior sister in the children’s emergency department, where she might see up to 40 youngsters in a day shift.
“The job has its challenges, but I love it. There is an amazing team of nurses and I couldn’t do the job without them. I have a great work-life balance. I drive into work and my kids are happy. I wouldn’t want to live any closer to London. ”
It is clear that the hospital prides itself on recognising the need for flexible working patterns, and is keen to offer people a better work and life balance. PRUH MD Trainer says there is a need to be “creative” with jobs and there are opportunities for cross-specialty roles. He also mentions the strong links with the community, highlighting the excellent relationship between hospital and community staff in its “transfer of care” bureau.
“People are proud of the care the PRUH provides. We hope that we offer the opportunity and support to learn and work hard.”
