Community

What to expect

You might come and see us at one of our health centres, instead of at our hospital. It's a bit like going to see your doctor.

We have lots of health centres in south London, but our main ones are the Mary Sheridan Centre and Sunshine House.

Mary Sheridan Centre

The Mary Sheridan Centre is in Lambeth.

It's sometimes called Wooden Spoon House.

It has big wooden spoons on its door handles.

Sunshine House

Sunshine House is in Southwark.

It's very bright and colourful, inside and outside.

Who you might meet

You might meet a nurse, or a doctor. They don't wear a uniform, but they do wear a name badge, so you can see what they're called.

The doctor will talk to you, and someone who knows you well, about your health worries. They may listen to your chest to hear you breathing. They may also give you some fun things to do.

You also might meet a therapist. There are different types of therapists:

Speech and language therapists – you might see a speech and language therapist if you have problems talking or swallowing. They can help you with understanding language, speaking, eating and drinking.

Occupational therapist –  it can be difficult to get back to normal after being ill. Occupational therapists help you get used to doing everyday things, like getting dressed, or doing your schoolwork.

Physiotherapists – they know all about how our bodies work and help us to move and keep active.

Therapists don't wear uniforms either, but they do wear name badges.

Play areas

Some of our health centres have play areas.

These have things like toys and books that you can use while you're waiting to see us.

Mary Sheridan Centre has lots of toys in its waiting room.

It also has table football!

Sunshine House has a soft play area you can play in.