The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in Wandsworth has achieved the Investors in People national standard with the help of Aztec, the Training and Enterprise Council for south west London.

Founded in 1854, the hospital treats and cares for patients suffering from profound and complex physical disabilities resulting from damage to the brain and nervous system, ranging from multiple sclerosis to Huntingdon's disease and cerebral palsy.

The hospital also set up the UK's first brain injury unit. Having developed out of the traditional concept of a nursing home, the Royal Hospital prides itself in assisting its patients to live their lives as independently as possible.

Alison Richardson, Aztec's account manager, said: "The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability is an exemplar to all companies, in that it demonstrates that vast budgets and high levels of external support are not necessary to achieve the investors in people standard. The key is an investment in time and commitment by staff to work together.

"A great deal of the work was carried out in-house, which kept costs down, while regular contact was maintained with Aztec to ensure that they kept on track."

With nearly 700 members of staff, Sheila McLean, the personnel manager, with Ros Fuller, head of staff development, believes there is much to gain from working towards Investors in People (IIP). The hospital committed to the standard in February 1994.

Vernon Beauchamp, chief executive, said: "Investors in People recognition shows webelieve in and recognise the value of our people, their performance and their contribution to its success.

"This has been a major achievement because of our size, complexity and diversity. The process has given a structure to our investment in staff. As a result, training has become more focused on meeting our needs."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.