Bringing children to hospital appointments

At the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, we understand that finding childcare can be difficult. You are more than welcome to bring children with you, however please be aware that waiting room space is limited and you may be with us for some time so your child may become bored and unsettled. It can be helpful to come with another adult and to bring some toys and other things to divert the child.

Baby changing facilities

The Royal Free Hospital has a mother and baby suite which includes a breastfeeding room, baby changing room and small unsupervised play area. Children must be accompanied at all times. These facilities are next to the obstetrics and gynaecology department, on the ground floor. They are provided by the Friends of the Royal Free Hospital and can be used by anyone visiting the hospital.

They are open daily, from 8am to 8pm, including weekends. There are also baby changing facilities on the first floor near clinic 3.

Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital also have baby changing facilities on both sites. 

Play areas for children at the hospitals in our trust

At the Royal Free Hospital there is a playroom for children attending the paediatric clinic. A hospital volunteer team is there to keep the room tidy and safe and to organise activities for the children, but they cannot supervise children. Children must be accompanied by their parents at all times.

The playroom is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. The telephone number is 020 7830 2144.

Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital also have children's play areas for each clinic that runs children’s healthcare services.