Crossword Genius

Standing by bloke next to hospital department (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

permanent

'standing' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'by bloke next to hospital department' is the wordplay.
'by' becomes 'per' (I've seen this in another clue).
'bloke' becomes 'man' (informal term for a man).
'next to' says to put letters next to each other.
'hospital department' becomes 'ENT' (Ear, Nose and Throat department).
'per'+'man'+'ent'='PERMANENT'

(Other definitions for permanent that I've seen before include "Lasting for ever" , "Lasting; not temporary" , "Lasting, irreversible" , "indestructible" , "full-time" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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