‘Cutting edge’ medicine in heritage buildings

Harley Street has been synonymous with private medicine since the mid-19th century. In 1860, just 20 doctors operated in the area, a number that has grown considerably over the decades, and which includes many notable medical professionals. Florence Nightingale worked here, as did pioneering ophthalmologist, Sir Harold Ridley, and world-renowned obstetrician Sir Grantly Dick-Read, while the contemporary movie, The King’s Speech, shone a spotlight on doctor and speech therapist, Lionel Logue, who helped King George VI overcome his stammer with lessons held here. Dr Logue was also responsible for installing the first artificial voice box in the UK in a patient. That patient was John Baynham – who was my grandfather. From a young age, I was aware of the incredible work that can be done when medics are given the opportunity to innovate and strive for the very best. 

Today, some 5,000 medical professionals operate in the Harley Street Medical Area, covering just about every possible specialism. The area’s rich history is well reflected in its buildings and architecture. This whole region of London’s bustling Marylebone is a conservation area, home to 360 listed buildings – ranging from grand Georgian townhouses to smaller Victorian properties. People visit us from across the world, not just for pioneering medical treatment, but also to admire our beautiful facades, ornate windows, and sculpted stonework. It’s an area of curious opposites – modern medicine and centuriesold architecture – and marrying the two remains a real challenge: its historic external appearance doesn’t always reflect the cutting edge work that’s being done. As we’ve consistently proven, however, it can be done.

Logistical challenges