Updates to our mask wearing policy at GOSH

23 May 2023, 7 a.m.

From 23 May we will no longer require patients, families or staff to wear facemasks in the majority of areas within the hospital.

This is in line with current national guidelines and is a similar approach taken at many other hospitals.

There are some specific areas of the hospital or types of procedures that will still require staff to wear masks at all times. This includes in theatres, when aerosol generating procedures are taking place or when patients are under specific respiratory precautions.

At all times, if you wish for a member of staff to wear a mask when treating you or your child you can ask them to do so. We will still provide fluid resistant surgical masks for families and staff who would like to wear them.

We have taken this decision based on the currently available evidence on COVID-19 and we have also considered that lots of our families visit other hospitals that have already relaxed masking rules.

Staff will closely monitor all patients for any symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses and take precautions as necessary. This will include the wearing of personal protective equipment and testing.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s care or an upcoming admission or appointment, please contact our Patient Advice and Liason Service (PALs).

Update regarding further media coverage

There has been further media coverage of the orthopaedic review which is underway at Great Ormond Street Hospital. It refers to the report from the Royal College of Surgeons being shared with patients and families.

Crane lift and road closures weekend of 21 and 22 Sept 2024

This weekend site cabins are being installed on Great Ormond Street. This requires a crane lift and some nearby road closures.

Marking Childhood Cancer Awareness month with play, dance and art

This month, over four days, we transformed our Lagoon area and Disney Reef into a vibrant dance, music, and art hub, creating a special space for our patients and their siblings in honour of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Landmark study reveals epilepsy surgery reverses cognitive decline

A first-of-its-kind study, led by researchers from GOSH and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (UCL GOS ICH) has found that brain surgery for epilepsy is linked to significant improvement in children’s cognition.