Before your visit

What to expect 

You may be coming to Evelina London because:

  • you don't feel well
  • you need to have a test or examination
  • you need to have an operation or
  • you have had an operation and we want to see how you are doing.

Your parents or carers can tell you why you are coming to hospital. If you have any questions, just ask.

What’s it like?

Evelina London is a children’s hospital. All our doctors, nurses and other staff have been specially trained to care for children just like you. You may meet someone who knows all about how a part of your body works or the best medicine for you to take. You can find out more about who you might meet in coming to hospital.

The hospital is a big building with a curvy glass roof. It is bright, sunny and colourful.

Each level of the hospital is a different part of the natural world – from the Ocean on the ground floor to the Sky on the top floor.

Wards and clinics, where you see a doctor or nurse, are named after animals from nature, like Polar Bear and Turtle.

Around the hospital, you will see pictures and signs to show you where you are. 

There are also big cartoon kids, the Evelina Kids, to show you the way.

Cartoon kid pointing the way

The hospital can be busy, with doctors, nurses, visitors and children.

If you get lost or can’t find your way around, just ask a member of staff to help. 

Coming for the day

If you are coming here for the day but you don’t need to stay the night, you will come as an outpatient or a day case patient.

Your parents or carers will get a letter from Evelina London. It will tell you what time and day to come. It will also tell you where to go at the hospital and which doctor and nurse you will meet. This letter will tell you if there is anything you need to do before your visit.

Coming to stay

If you are coming to the hospital to stay the night, you will come as an inpatient.Your parents or carers will get a letter from Evelina London. It will tell you what time and day to come. It will also tell you which ward you are staying on and which doctor and nurse you will meet. 

This letter will tell you what to bring with you. It will also tell you if there is anything you need to do before your visit.

Are you coming for an operation? Watch our film about what happens before you come to stay.

What to bring

Here are some of our patients with tips on what you should bring with you:

 

 

If you are coming for the day, you may want to bring a few things from home like:

  • a book
  • your favourite toy
  • a drink, and
  • a snack.

If you are coming to stay, you should bring:

  • clothes for daytime
  • pyjamas and slippers
  • toothbrush and toothpaste
  • soap
  • your favourite toy
  • books and magazines
  • schoolwork
  • comb or brush.

Don't forget to put your name on your things.

You might want to bring a mobile phone or tablet with you to play games or help you stay in touch with friends. Don’t forget to bring a charger too.  Please tell a nurse on your ward if you bring one with you. They can help you to keep it in a safe place.

If you want to go online on your phone or tablet, there’s free WiFi at Evelina London. You can ask your nurse to help you get online.