Before your visit

What to expect

You may be coming to Evelina London because:

  • you need to have a test or examination
  • you need treatment for an illness or long-term condition
  • you need to have an operation or
  • you have had an operation and need a check-up.

If you have any questions about your visit, you can ask a doctor, nurse or any member of the Evelina London team.

What’s it like?

Evelina London is a large, modern building with a curved glass roof.

The hospital building is bright and colourful, and 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. 

The hospital can be busy, with lots going on. If you get lost or can’t find your way around, just ask a member of staff.

Your outpatient appointment

If you are coming to Evelina London for an appointment but you don’t need to stay the night, you will come as an outpatient.

Your parent or carer will get a letter from Evelina London with details of your appointment. This letter will give you the name and number of someone to contact if you have any questions before your visit.

Your inpatient stay

If you are coming to Evelina London overnight, you will come as an inpatient.

Your parent or carer will get a letter from Evelina London with details of your inpatient stay. It will tell you which ward you are staying on and suggest what to bring with you. 

This letter will give you the name and number of someone to contact if you have any questions before your visit.

If you're coming to have on operation, you might find it helpful to watch our video about what happens before you come to stay.

What to bring

If you are coming for an outpatient appointment, you may want to bring a few things to do while you wait like:

  • a book
  • a personal games console, tablet or smart phone
  • a drink
  • a snack.

Here's an animation showing some of the things to bring with you if you are coming for an inpatient stay.

If you are coming for an inpatient stay, you should bring:

Clothes:

  • comfortable daytime clothes
  • pyjamas, slippers and a dressing gown.

It can get pretty warm in hospital, so don’t forget to bring a t-shirt.

Toiletries:

  • toothbrush and toothpaste
  • deodorant, moisturiser and any everyday toiletries
  • comb or hairbrush
  • any medication you take regularly – please tell the nurse on your ward if you bring any medication with you.

Entertainment:

There’s lots to do in hospital, but you may want to bring some stuff from home like:

  • books and magazines
  • card games
  • a personal games console
  • a mobile phone or tablet – you can get online using Evelina London WiFi
  • a phone or tablet charger
  • schoolwork.

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