Children’s wards

If a child needs to be admitted to the Royal Free London, we have children’s wards with specialist medical staff including paediatric nurses to look after our young patients. We also have a play team who help children and young people feel at home and relaxed during their stay. There is a well-equipped playroom with a team of play specialists, as well as a classroom staffed by teachers who will liaise with your child's school to provide hospital education. DVDs, console games and toys are available, and staff organise other activities.

Our children’s wards have a combination of ward beds and side rooms with en-suite facilities, depending on clinical need. We take care of children and young people up to the age of 16, and young people up to the age of 18 (usually if they are still in full-time education).

Some older children above 16 may prefer to stay on an adult ward rather than on a children’s ward. In these cases, paediatricians or paediatric nurses will still visit them to check their needs are being met.

One parent of the child may stay overnight with their child. We have beds or reclining chairs available for parents and there is a parents' rest room with a television and hot and cold drinks.

Children's ambulatory care ward

Our ambulatory care ward is a day care ward for children and young people having surgical procedures or investigations that can be carried out in a short day visit to the Royal Free Hospital without the need to stay overnight. Our children's ambulatory care ward is 6 West A on the 6th floor of the hospital.

Play and education facilities are available for children even if they are with us just for the day.