Patients coming to the Royal Free Hospital for surgery will be given a virtual tour of what to expect ahead of their procedure thanks to a video guide of the hospital’s theatres department.

Dr Carlos Kidel, a consultant anaesthetist at the Royal Free, commissioned the video as a way of alleviating some of the anxiety patients might feel ahead of their procedure.

The two-minute video takes patients through the hospital to the theatres department, and explains the steps they will go through and who they will meet before going under general anaesthetic.  

Dr Kidel said: “Coming in for surgery can be a daunting experience and a hospital can be an intimidating place.

“Hopefully this video will help to familiarise patients with the hospital and also take some of the mystery out of what exactly happens between walking into reception and being taken into surgery.”

Watch the video: What to expect on the day of your operation.

Image: Dr Kidel speaks to a patient in the video

Notes to editors

Media contacts: daniel.obrien1@nhs.net or call 020 7317 7740

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver and kidney transplantation, haemophilia, renal care, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, Parkinson's disease, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read 'A bigger trust, a better future'.