Squirrel Ward

Squirrel Ward cares for children and young people with gastroenterology conditions and who are being admitted for short stay specialist neonatal and paediatrics surgery.

There are two ‘sides’ to the ward:

1. Specialist Neonatal and Paediatric Surgery(SNAPS)
2. Gastroenterology (Gastro)

The SNAPS area has eight beds, four of which are in single ensuite cubicles with the rest in a four bedded bay.

The Gastro area has 10 beds, all with ensuite bathrooms.

• Ward reception – 020 7829 8824
• SNAPS nurses’ station – 020 7405 9200 extension 21307
• Gastro nurses’ station – 020 7813 8358

Squirrel Ward is on Level 5 of the Variety Club Building at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Squirrel Ward is primarily run by our highly qualified nursing team, but also includes consultants, clinical nurse specialists, physiotherapists, healthcare assistants, play specialists, psychologists, dietitians and housekeeping staff. 

The following people will be able to help you during your stay:

• Andrea McLean - Ward Sister, Squirrel Gastro
• Lily Tye - Ward Sister, Squirrel Endo and Met

• Gastroenterology information for parents and visitors

• Metabolic medicine information for parents and visitors

• Endocrinology information

Squirrel Ward has a well-equipped playroom and a play specialist during the week who organises activities. The play specialist can provide age appropriate play opportunities and can help to prepare your child for the procedures that he or she will undergo in hospital.

Each bedspace will have our system for TV and films, which you can also use to access the internet, as well as Wi-Fi so you can connect your own device. As well as the facilities within the ensuite single cubicles, there are three other toilets on the ward which will be used by children staying in the four-bedded bay. 

There is also a play room with toys, games and crafts. The play room is supervised by our play specialist during office hours but you will be responsible for your child.

You are a valued member of your child‘s healthcare team and we encourage you to take part in his or her care as much as possible while in hospital.

Each single room has space for one parent to stay on a sofa bed and there is a fold out chair by the bedside in shared bays.

There is also a sitting room where you can go to relax and take time out from the ward. You will be able to make hot drinks and snacks – it will contain a fridge and microwave. 

For mothers who wish to breastfeed, we provide a dedicated room. We also provide the equipment to 'express' breast milk so your child can be fed through a nasogastric tube, if necessary.