Royal Brompton welcomes news of local tube station accessibility upgrade

Royal Brompton Hospital has today welcomed the news that Transport for London has agreed to fund a major upgrade of South Kensington Underground Station.

The decision means that more people – including patients and staff with serious cardiorespiratory conditions or mobility challenges – can finally travel to the hospital by tube, safely and independently, after years of campaigning.

The current station’s multiple staircases, outdated and overcrowded ticket hall, and narrow circulation routes mean using it is extremely difficult, and often impossible, for vulnerable patients and staff. Its location at the heart of the South Kensington cultural district– home to institutions like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A – also means the station experiences severe congestion during busy periods.

Royal Brompton Hospital chief executive Richard Grocott-Mason said: “This is such good news for our most vulnerable patients and staff who for years have simply had to avoid using our local tube station altogether, as it has been impossible for them to get in and out.

“This means that our patients and staff will eventually be able to access our hospital using convenient public transport, with dignity and independence. This is a fairly basic need and as a hospital, we feel these impacts on the more vulnerable members of our society very acutely.

“I must congratulate Transport for London for making this decision and thank campaigners, including our neighbouring NHS hospitals, for their support and hope that this complex project now successfully progresses.”

Dr Grocott-Mason added that Royal Brompton Hospital will continue to work closely with Transport for London (TfL), neighbouring NHS Trusts, including Chelsea and Westminster and the Royal Marsden, and accessibility and community partners as detailed design and construction progress.

As a major specialist hospital, Royal Brompton has a high proportion of patients with long-term, serious conditions for whom accessible transport is essential.

The redevelopment of the station, discussed for decades, is included in TfL’s latest business plan. The scheme includes step-free access to the District and Circle lines via a new accessible entrance on Thurloe Street, alongside a larger, modernised ticket hall designed to ease congestion and improve circulation. Planning permission for the scheme was secured in late 2023, and the project will now move forward subject to funding.

Dr Grocott-Mason said the hospital will continue to keep patients, staff and the local community updated as the long-awaited project progresses.