Hospital facilities and services

Illness

We want to protect everyone at GOSH from infection.

If you are unwell, showing symptoms of illness, or have been in contact with someone who is ill or showing symptoms, please do not visit GOSH until you have been confirmed as free from infection. Symptoms include a cough, cold, fever, diarrhoea or vomiting.

If you have been in contact with someone with chickenpox, shingles or measles in the past three weeks, please check with the ward first if it is safe for you to visit.

All visitors must clean their hands before entering a room or bedspace. Please use the hand sanitiser or wash your hands with soap and water.

Visiting times

Both parents are welcome to visit their child on the ward at any time.

We do our best to answer the doorbell as quickly as possible but please be aware this may take some time if we are with another child. Please do not ‘tailgate’ or let anyone ‘tailgate’ after you when the door is opened – we want to keep everyone safe. Remember, all members of staff should wear a photo identification badge at all times.

We have onsite gardens which can offer a moment’s quiet time and fresh air – please see the map in main reception for directions and opening times.

We are also lucky to be based next to Coram’s Fields – a large play area a minute's walk/ wheel away from the hospital. It is open every day from 9am until dusk. Adults can only visit Coram’s Fields if they are accompanied by a child. Find out more about Coram's Fields.

Queen Square is at the end of Great Ormond Street and is open during daylight hours.

We know that it’s easy to run out of clean clothes when your child is in hospital for more than a few days.

There is a launderette at GOSH for parents and carers to use. This is located on the ground floor of the Main Nurses’ Home building.

The washing machines and dryers are free to use, but you will need to bring your own washing powder and fabric conditioner. 

If you prefer not to wait while your laundry is done or the machines are already in use, there are a number of laundrettes close to GOSH – please speak to PALS for details.

We are pleased to offer free Wi-Fi access to all our patients and families during their stay. Our service allows you to remain connected with loved ones through video and Wi-Fi calling, as well as enjoy access to a range of streaming entertainment services throughout the hospital.

To help keep children and young people safe online, our Wi-Fi has content filters. These are designed to prevent access to inappropriate material, ensuring a secure browsing experience for everyone.

How to connect to the Wi-Fi?

1. Open the Wi-Fi settings on your device.
2. Select 'PUBLIC-Wi-Fi-GOSH' from the list of available wireless networks. You will be automatically redirected to the sign-in page.
3. Click the “Guest Users” button to accept the terms and conditions.

Once you have completed these steps, you will be connected to 'PUBLIC-Wi-Fi-GOSH' and redirected to the GOSH homepage.

Please note, guest users are required to re-register every seven days to maintain access. You may also occasionally be prompted to re-authenticate with Public WiFi-GOSH each time you visit. Disabling the 'Randomised MAC Address' feature on your device can help to avoid repeated authentication requests.

If you require any additional information or support regarding our Wi-Fi service, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of our ward or reception staff.

Please be considerate when using your mobile phone within the hospital.

We kindly ask that mobile phones are switched off during appointments to avoid any disruptions. Additionally, we ask that you keep noise levels to a minimum, particularly when people are sleeping nearby, to maintain a restful environment for everyone.

The GOSH Public Wi-Fi service offers support for Wi-Fi Calling and internet messaging applications, such as WhatsApp. This ensures that you can remain connected with your loved ones throughout your stay or visit, making communication easy and reliable during your time at the hospital.

We have a number of self-service Amazon lockers located in the Lagoon. These lockers can be used to receive or return Amazon parcels.

You can find the locker here – please look for the locker called “sand”.

We can provide interpreters and written translations in many different languages and formats. This includes British Sign Language interpreters and Large Print and Easy Read formats.

To arrange an interpreter, please contact the service your child is under.

If you would like information in another language or format, please contact PALS.

Most of our inpatient beds have interactive, touchscreen entertainment systems. These include information about GOSH, TV, radio, audiobooks and games. They also have access to the internet.

Our bedside entertainment is free to use.