The National Day Care Unit provides an opportunity for many people to receive different treatments, tests and procedures without having to stay overnight in the hospital.
Some eligible patients who need more than one day of treatment will stay in a hotel near to the hospital. When you arrive, a nurse or the ward clerk will check your details and explain your admission schedule and you will be seen by a SHO (Senior House Officer) or PA (Physician Associates) in Day Care.
The unit is open between 07:00 – 19:30.
All tests, investigations and procedures take place during these hours. We will try to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Please speak to a member of staff if you require any further information or have any concerns.
Your admission letter
If you need to change your admission date, please contact the Day Care Unit admission department on 020 3448 3559/020 3448 3315 as soon as possible and we will try to arrange a date that is convenient for you. If your telephone number changes please inform the admission office as soon as possible.
Your admission letter should tell you what to do to prepare for your admission and provide a contact number if you have any questions. You will receive a schedule for the tests and appointments you will be having and information about any tests or procedures. Remember to follow instructions about eating or drinking on the day of your admission to avoid your treatment being delayed or postponed.
If you are using the National Day Care Unit Hotel Service, we will give you information about the hotel upon your arrival to the Day Care Unit. If you get a cough, cold, skin infection or stomach upset please contact the admissions number on your letter.
Do you need an interpreter?
If you are a limited English speaker, telephone Interpreters are available at all times through our interpreting service. If you are deaf or have other reasons why you need a face-to-face interpreter, your GP should have advised us to book this for you. Please check with your GP.
- NHNN – National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
- RLHIM – Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
- NDCU – National Day Care Unit
2nd floor of the RLHIM,
60 Great Ormond Street,
London WC1N 3HR
If you would like hospital transport, call us on 020 3456 7010 so that we can assess whether you are eligible for this service. If you are coming in with an escort, you will need a letter from your GP, consultant or clinical nurse specialist.
Parking
Parking is restricted with limited metered parking on the square, disabled parking bays are available. Blue Badge restrictions apply in and around Queen Square. Congestion charges apply, for information about exemptions call 0845 900 1234. For information about local National Car Parks, call 0845 0507080 or visit www.
Public transport
You can download a useful travel guide from our website here.
- Closest Underground stations: Russell Square and Holborn (Piccadilly and Central line)
- Closest Rail stations: Kings Cross, St Pancras, Euston
- Buses with routes close to the hospital:
- Southampton Row 59, 68, 91,168,188, 501
- Theobald’s Road 19, 38, 55, 243
- High Holborn / New Oxford Street 7, 8, 25, 242, 501, 521
We provide breakfast, lunch and supper on the ward depending on the length of your stay. Meals are not routinely provided for carers (please speak to the nurse in charge for further information). Kosher, halal, vegetarian and vegan meals are available on request. Hot drinks and biscuits are available on the ward throughout the day. In addition, we have a number of water coolers on the ward. Café facilities are available on the ground floor of the RLHIM.
Safety and storage of property
Although we do all we can to keep the hospital as safe and as secure as possible, the hospital will not be liable for any personal property loss or theft if the item has not been handed in for safe keeping to staff. We will ask you to sign a disclaimer form on admission. As storage in clinical areas is limited, we would appreciate; your help in limiting what you bring into hospital.
Smoking
Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not allowed in any area of the hospital, including the entrances and exits.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones are permitted but must be switched to silent mode when on the unit. Please consider other patients when using your phone and ask your visitors to leave the ward area to make or receive calls.
The RLHIM has a ramp leading to the entrance and lifts can be taken to the Day Care Unit. We have wheelchair accessible toilets on the ward with emergency pull cords if assistance is required. Wheelchairs are available for patients travelling between departments.
- Your current contact and GP details
- If a hotel has been booked for your admission please bring any items that you would need for a comfortable overnight stay e.g.: nightclothes, toiletries
- Mobility and / or hearing aid(s)
- All medication you are taking (whether prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, homoeopathic or traditional)
- Money for extra refreshments, prescriptions etc.
- Please label your property as appropriate e.g.: suitcases, coats
- There can be large gaps between tests so it can be advisable to bring books or other distractions
- Any relevant letters or results from other doctors
- If you wear glasses please bring them
Please do not bring valuable items or large amounts of cash into the hospital. We cannot accept responsibility for your property (unless it has been handed in to staff for safekeeping). Alcohol is not allowed within the hospital.
Patients are welcome to bring someone with them to the hospital for support. However, we cannot accommodate visitors in the clinic room waiting area is for relatives, carers and visitors.
During your stay on the ward
You will have a named nurse, who will be responsible for co-ordinating your care. You may also see a specialist nurse for additional support. You will be under the care of a named consultant, who will be in charge of your treatment. You will be seen by one (or more) of the doctors in your consultant’s team.
Clinics
A named consultant will be responsible for your care and you will see them or another doctor from their team. If you wish to see a particular person in the clinic, please ask at reception, but you may have to wait longer to be seen. It is not always possible to see a specific doctor or nurse.
We are a teaching hospital, so we might ask your permission for student doctors or nurses to sit in during your consultation. You need not have students present if you are worried about it. You could also be asked to take part in a research project while you are a patient with us. We will always ask for your consent and you will be told fully what is involved. Your care will not be affected in any way if you choose not to take part in teaching or research.
You will receive follow up appointment from your consultant. For general health information and advice, contact the 24 hour, nurse-led service, NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or visit www.
Patient feedback
We welcome your feedback. Your comments will be used to monitor and improve the service we provide. The unit uses real time patient feedback and comment cards. Ask your nurse for more information. If you are unhappy with any part of your experience please speak to the ward sister, charge nurse or matron.
PALS
If you have any concerns PALS’ is a patient-friendly, easy to access service designed to provide a personal contact point to assist patients, relatives and carers. If you have a problem that you have not been able to sort out we can help you to resolve it. PALS are open 10am–4pm, Mon–Fri. Tel: 020 3447 3042 (or extension 73018, 73002 or 73042 from inside the hospital)
Complaints
If you would like to have a formal investigation into a complaint, contact our complaints department on ext. 73413 or write to: Chief Executive 250 Euston Road London NW1 2PG All complaints will be dealt with promptly and you will be kept informed of all actions taken.
Department Sister
Day Care Unit, 2nd Floor
Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
60 Great Ormond Street London,
WC1N 3HR
Direct line: 020 3448 8988
Extension: 88987
Switchboard: 0845 155 5000 or 020 3456 7890
Fax: 020 3448 8986
Page last updated: 09 May 2024
Review due: 31 May 2025