Dinosaur Ward is on Level 3 of the Cardiac Wing.
This is a ward where children come before having an operation and for pre-operative assessment. There are lots of toys and games for children to play with while they are waiting to go to the operating theatre.
After their operation, children are taken back to another ward for ongoing nursing care.
Dinosaur Ward also runs an ambulatory service. Children can come to Dinosaur after an operation or investigation to have a wound review, dressing change or stitches removed.
Dinosaur Ward
Level 3, Cardiac Wing
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust
Great Ormond Street
London
WC1N 3JH
Map Dinosaur Ward telephone number: 020 7405 9200 extension 1015 or 0475.
For urgent attention outside of office hours please call the switchboard on 020 7405 9200 and ask for the doctor on call for your child’s post-operative ward.
This will be one of the following:
You can learn more about our clinical specialties by visiting:
Staff on the ward
Dinosaur Ward is primarily run by our highly qualified nursing team, but also includes consultants, clinician assistants, healthcare assistants, play specialists and housekeeping staff.
Key members of staff on the ward include:
- Tracey Norris, Head of Nursing
- Sarah Carmichael, Ward Manager
- Sarah Brown, Ward Administrator
Conditions we treat
Dinosaur Ward covers all areas of surgery and diagnostics.
Ward information
The ward is open five days a week, Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 6pm.
Dinosaur uses a no-bed model. Children are actively encouraged to play to reduce their anxiety about surgery and to distract them from feeling hungry.
You will be phoned during the evening – between 3.30pm and 6pm – before your child is due to come to Dinosaur. If your child is due for surgery on a Monday, you will be called on a Friday.
During the call, we will confirm there is a bed for your child, make sure they are well enough for the operation or procedure, and explain about fasting and when to arrive on the day.
If your child has had recent contact with chickenpox or measles, or has chickenpox, measles, shingles, diarrhoea and vomiting then please let us know when we call you.
If you are not at home or contactable for the pre-admission telephone call, please call Dinosaur Ward between 4pm and 6pm the night before your child’s surgery.
Facilities for parents
You are a valued member of your child’s healthcare team and we encourage you to take part in their care as much as possible while in hospital.
Dinosaur Ward is a pre-admission unit for patients having surgery, so there are no overnight facilities for families.
Some parents can use the Paul O’Gorman Patient Hotel when they need to stay overnight:
- You must live at least 25 miles away from the hospital.
- The child must be able to stay with parent at hotel.
- Only one parent can stay, although exceptions can be made. This depends on the investigations being carried out.
For more information read our family accommodation factsheet.
Regulations on the ward
The following are not allowed on Dinosaur Ward:
- Flowers – water in the vase can develop a bacterium that can cause infection in children.
- Latex balloons – due to potential allergic reactions.
Dinosaur Ward operates a no-eating policy. If you or a family member needs something to eat or drink please speak to a member of staff. They will find you somewhere to sit and eat away from children who are fasting.
Only two adults can be with each child on the ward. Siblings and other children should not be brought to the ward so please make alternative arrangements for their care on the day of your child’s procedure. Breast-fed babies are an exception.
Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 29 October 2010.
