07/05/2020
Nestled in the heart of Bloomsbury, London, stands a beacon of medical excellence: The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, more commonly known as Queen Square. This esteemed institution is not merely a hospital; it is a living testament to centuries of groundbreaking neurological discovery, compassionate patient care, and the relentless pursuit of understanding the human brain. As part of the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and intimately linked with the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, it has carved out an unparalleled reputation as a global leader in neuroscience research and clinical practice. For anyone navigating the complexities of London, especially those seeking specialist medical care, understanding the significance and accessibility of this remarkable facility is paramount.
The journey of Queen Square began in 1859, founded by Johanna Chandler as the National Hospital for the Paralysed and Epileptic. Its very inception marked a pivotal moment in medical history, as it was the first hospital in England dedicated exclusively to treating diseases of the nervous system. The original building underwent significant transformation in the early 1880s, with the East Wing proudly re-opened by Princess Helena in 1881 and the West Wing by the Prince of Wales in 1885, reflecting its growing importance and royal patronage. Over the decades, its name evolved, each change reflecting its expanding scope and specialisation. In 1904, it became the National Hospital for the Relief and Cure of the Paralysed and Epileptic. During the tumultuous period of the First World War, it bravely served as a vital section of the First London General Hospital, adapting its mission to the urgent needs of the nation. A supplementary Royal Charter in 1926 saw it renamed the National Hospital, Queen Square, for the Relief and Cure of Diseases of the Nervous System including Paralysis and Epilepsy. The Queen Mary Wing, a testament to its continued expansion and dedication, was opened by Queen Mary herself in July 1938. Despite suffering significant damage from German bombing during the Second World War, the hospital’s spirit remained unbroken. A crucial merger in 1948 with the Maida Vale Hospital for Diseases of the Nervous System – an institution founded by Julius Althaus in 1866 as the London Infirmary for Epilepsy and Paralysis – further solidified its position, leading to the name National Hospital for Nervous Diseases. Finally, in 1990, it adopted its current, well-recognised name: The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. Since 1996, it has been an integral part of the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, ensuring its continued prominence within the UK's healthcare landscape.
Unrivalled Facilities and Comprehensive Patient Care
Today, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery stands as a modern, cutting-edge facility, designed to provide the highest standard of care. With 244 in-patient beds, it offers extensive capacity for acute and long-term neurological conditions. The hospital boasts nine state-of-the-art operating theatres, including two dedicated angiography theatres, enabling complex neurosurgical procedures. Patient wards are thoughtfully named after influential figures in neurology, such as the John Young and David Ferrier neurology wards, and the Victor Horsley, Bernard Sunley, and Lady Ann Allerton neurosurgical wards. For those requiring private medical or surgical inpatient care, the Nuffield ward provides a dedicated space. Recognising the critical nature of many neurological conditions, the hospital also houses advanced neurological and neurosurgical intensive care units. Furthermore, comprehensive rehabilitation is a cornerstone of recovery, with two specialised inpatient rehabilitation units: the Albany Rehabilitation Unit and the Neurorehabilitation Unit. The main outpatient department, named in memory of Basil Samuels, ensures that patients receive expert consultation and follow-up care. The hospital's commitment extends beyond clinical treatment, supported significantly by the National Brain Appeal, a charity formally known as the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Development Foundation, which tirelessly raises funds to support its groundbreaking research and enhance patient facilities.
For patients and visitors alike, reaching Queen Square is a straightforward process, thanks to its central London location. While public transport offers numerous routes, a taxi often provides the most convenient and comfortable option, especially for those with neurological conditions or mobility challenges. The hospital's address is clearly marked: Queen Square WC1N 3, Bloomsbury, London. This central position means it is well-served by London's extensive transport network.
For those opting for public transport, the London Underground (Tube) is a popular choice. The nearest Tube stations include Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern lines), Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines), and Chancery Lane (Central line). While a specific "London to National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery service" might be referenced as departing from Leicester Square by Tube, it's essential to understand this refers to standard Tube lines that connect various points across the city to stations near Queen Square, not a dedicated non-stop service to the hospital's doorstep. Typically, these Tube services run frequently, with over 2700 services weekly, though weekend and holiday schedules can vary, so checking in advance is always advisable.
Numerous bus routes also serve the area, with stops such as Southampton Row (B), Red Lion Street (G), Bedford Place (K), and Bloomsbury Square (F) all within a short walk. Key bus routes include the 1, 14, 19, 38, 55, 68, 91, 98, 188, SL6, N19, N38, and N91. Train services, including the Elizabeth Line, Lioness Line, and Thameslink, also connect to nearby hubs, making Queen Square accessible from various parts of London and beyond. However, for direct, door-to-door convenience, particularly for patients requiring ease of access, a licensed London taxi remains an ideal choice. Taxi drivers are familiar with the area, can navigate directly to the hospital entrance, and provide a stress-free journey, avoiding multiple changes on public transport or lengthy walks from stations.
Pioneers and Visionaries: The Illustrious Figures of Queen Square
The history of Queen Square is inextricably linked with the brilliant minds who have walked its halls, pushing the boundaries of neurological understanding and treatment. These individuals, whether deans, directors, or clinicians, have left an indelible mark on the field of neuroscience globally.
Sir Victor Horsley: The Father of Neurosurgery
Perhaps one of the most celebrated figures is Sir Victor Horsley (1857-1916), the first neurosurgeon appointed to the National Hospital Queen Square. Revered worldwide as the "Father of Neurosurgery," Horsley's contributions were truly revolutionary. In an era devoid of X-rays or antibiotics, he pioneered resective neurosurgery for conditions such as epilepsy, tumours, abscesses, head injuries, spinal and pituitary diseases, and trigeminal neuralgia. His first brain operation at the hospital in 1886, performed in a modified day room, marked the dawn of a new surgical specialty. He was responsible for the first removal of a tumour from the spinal cord in 1887 and the first carotid ligation for a cerebral aneurysm. Beyond the operating theatre, Horsley co-developed the Horsley-Clarke stereotaxic apparatus, an invention whose scientific impact has been compared to that of the telescope and microscope, allowing for the incredibly precise targeting of brain areas for treatment. His innovation also extended to the development of 'Horsley's Wax,' an antiseptic compound still used today to stem cranial bleeding. A brilliant experimentalist, elected FRS at just 29, Horsley was also a passionate social reformer, advocating for temperance, female suffrage, and healthcare for the working class, embodying a holistic dedication to human welfare.
Samuel Alexander Kinnier Wilson: Unravelling Neurological Mysteries
Another titan of Queen Square was Samuel Alexander Kinnier Wilson (1878-1937), who joined the hospital as a resident medical officer in 1905. He is globally renowned for describing the eponymous Wilson's Disease in 1912, a fatal familial nervous disease associated with liver cirrhosis, which he termed 'progressive lenticular degeneration.' This groundbreaking work, which earned him a Gold Medal from Edinburgh University, identified what later became recognised as the first treatable metabolic disorder of the brain. Wilson's influence extended to founding the Journal of Neurology and Psychopathology and authoring the encyclopaedic two-volume textbook "Neurology" (1940). He was also famously friends with Charlie Chaplin, a connection that fueled his early interest in using cinematography as a teaching aid in neurology.
Margery Ling: Matron, Mentor, and International Collaborator
The heart of Queen Square’s patient care was undoubtedly personified by Margery Ling (1916-1982). Joining the hospital in 1943 as a nurse-tutor and appointed matron in 1946, Miss Ling was a formidable yet deeply compassionate figure whose unwavering priority was the care of patients. She knew every patient by name, visited wards daily, and even took patients for rides in her vintage Sunbeam tourer around London. Her dedication extended to providing employment and dignity to young, often handicapped, women with epilepsy from "good homes" as domestic staff, many of whom remained at the hospital for decades despite their condition. Crucially, in 1950, Miss Ling played a vital role in an initiative with the Claremont Hospital for Nervous Diseases in Belfast. At a time of acute nursing staff shortages in London, a mutually advantageous scheme was devised: Queen Square would send a few trained nurses to Belfast, and in exchange, receive many untrained nurses for training. This collaboration not only addressed critical staffing needs but also fostered invaluable professional development and cross-institutional support, leading to Miss Ling being made honorary life governor of the Claremont Street Hospital in 1963. Her legacy of maintaining the highest nursing standards, directly influenced by Florence Nightingale's values, continues to resonate.
Anita Harding: A Trailblazer in Neurogenetics
The field of neurogenetics owes an immense debt to Anita Harding (1952-1995), a leading clinical scientist and pioneer in the discipline. Her visionary approach anticipated the profound impact of molecular genetics on neurology. Tragically, she died prematurely at 42, but not before making an extraordinary impact. Her doctoral thesis on "The Hereditary Ataxias and Paraplegias" laid foundational work, but her single most important discovery, published in Nature in 1986, was the first identification of a mitochondrial DNA mutation in human disease and the concept of tissue heteroplasmy. Harding's prolific research output, supervision of doctoral theses, and extensive publications cemented her status as a major figure in late twentieth-century world neurology, inspiring a generation despite her short but impactful career.
Other Notable Minds Shaping Neurology
The tapestry of Queen Square's history is woven with countless other brilliant minds. Charles David Marsden (1938-1998) was an outstanding clinician neuroscientist, renowned for his work in Movement Disorders, establishing dedicated clinics for Parkinson's disease and dystonia, and co-founding the Movement Disorder Society. Charles Symonds (1890-1978) was celebrated for his clinical diagnosis and teaching abilities, and his crucial work on "flying stress" during WWII, advocating for a deeper understanding of psychological responses to combat. Roger William Gilliatt (1922-1991) transformed academic neurology at Queen Square, ensuring its survival through challenging periods with his strategic vision. James Samuel Risien Russell (1863-1939) was a popular teacher and clinician, particularly known for his empathetic approach to psychotic and psychoneurotic patients. John Marshall (1922-2014), a former Dean, led pioneering research in stroke and championed rehabilitation, famously introducing the 'iron lung' for poliomyelitis treatment and affiliating the College of Speech Sciences with Queen Square. MacDonald Critchley (1890-1997) was a prolific writer and brilliant teacher, an authority on higher cerebral function, known for his work on speech, dyslexia, and his classic monograph on 'The Parietal Lobes'. Pat Harris, as Academic Registrar, dedicated 23 years to supporting international students and later founded the Queen Square Alumnus Association, ensuring the enduring global impact of the institution.
Global Reach: Queen Square’s International Legacy
The influence of Queen Square extends far beyond the United Kingdom, shaping neurological practice and research across the globe through its distinguished alumni. Figures like Professor Athasit Vejjajiva (born 1935) became the most outstanding neurologist in Thailand, establishing the Division of Neurology in Bangkok and gaining international recognition for his work on neuromuscular and tropical neurological diseases. Dr. Eddie Phiroz Bharucha (1916-2017) is celebrated as a pioneer of Neurology in India, establishing the first neurology department in the country and tirelessly advocating for patients, including a 12-year campaign to repeal a law deeming people with epilepsy insane. Noshir H. Wadia (1925-2016) is universally regarded as the “founder of contemporary Indian neurology,” making seminal contributions to understanding neurological diseases unique to the Indian subcontinent. Similarly, John Clifford Richardson (1909-1986) profoundly influenced the training of neurologists in Canada, establishing the first comprehensive neurology training programme and delineating "progressive supranuclear palsy." These individuals, trained at Queen Square, carried its ethos of excellence and innovation to their home countries, cementing the hospital’s status as a truly international centre of learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery?
It is a world-renowned neurological hospital in Queen Square, London, specialising in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of diseases affecting the nervous system. It is part of the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and works closely with the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology.
Where is Queen Square Hospital located?
It is located at Queen Square, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N 3. Its central location makes it accessible from various parts of London.
How can I get to Queen Square Hospital by taxi?
A taxi offers the most direct and convenient way to reach Queen Square. Simply provide the driver with the address: Queen Square WC1N 3, Bloomsbury, London. Taxis can drop you directly at the hospital entrance, which is especially beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those needing a stress-free journey.
Why is Queen Square so famous in neurology?
Queen Square's fame stems from its long history as the first hospital in England dedicated solely to neurological diseases, its continuous pioneering research, and the long line of distinguished clinicians and scientists who have made groundbreaking discoveries within its walls, such as Sir Victor Horsley (neurosurgery) and S.A. Kinnier Wilson (Wilson's Disease). It has consistently remained at the forefront of neurological innovation and patient care.
Did Queen Square send nurses to Belfast?
Yes, during the 1950s, under the guidance of Matron Margery Ling, Queen Square implemented a scheme to send trained nurses to the Claremont Hospital for Nervous Diseases in Belfast. In exchange, Queen Square received untrained nurses from Belfast for training, helping to address a critical nursing shortage in London and fostering valuable inter-hospital collaboration.
In conclusion, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery at Queen Square represents the pinnacle of neurological care and research. Its rich history, state-of-the-art facilities, and the enduring legacy of its brilliant staff and alumni underscore its pivotal role in advancing our understanding and treatment of neurological conditions. For residents and visitors to London, particularly those requiring specialist medical attention, Queen Square remains a crucial and accessible institution, easily reached by a convenient London taxi, ensuring that patients can focus on their health journey with peace of mind.
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