Introduction
This leaflet has written by the administration team at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
Before your appointment
It is very important you attend your appointment. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible.
Telephone 020 3447 9393 or email nhnnappointments
If you miss your appointment and don’t tell us you may need to go back to your GP. One week before your appointment you may be reminded about it by phone or text.
You should allow at least two hours for your appointment, or longer if you are also coming for tests.
Planning to get to and from the hospital
Please use public transport if possible. Parking is limited and metred on Queen Square and the hospital is within the London Congestion Charge Zone. Usual Blue Badge restrictions apply in Queen Square and surrounding streets.
Hospital Transport is available for eligible patients only, arrange by calling 020 3456 7010. If you require an escort, you will need a letter from your Consultant, GP or CNS.
A taxi phone is available in the main entrance (free call). Please be aware that you are required to pay for your taxi.
What to bring with you
- Your appointment letter, scans, x-rays or test results that you have asked to bring.
- Any medicines you take including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, inhalers, eye drops or creams.
- A list of any allergies you have including medicines, foods, latex or sticky plasters.
- Money to pay for your prescriptions or proof of exemption.
- A list of questions to ask.
- Your GP’s details.
- Any specimen(s) you were asked to bring.
- Any mobility aids, hearing aids and spectacles.
Do you need an interpreter?
Telephone interpreting is available at all times. If you require a face-to-face interpreter please let us know at least three days in advance and five days for BSL by phoning the number on your appointment letter.
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is a patient-friendly, easy to access designed to provide a personal contact point to assist patients, relatives and carers. They can be contacted on: 020 3448 3237 or pals
When you arrive
Your appointment letter should tell you where to go, if you are unsure please ask the receptionist in the main entrance. When you get to the clinic, report to the receptionist to book in.
Please ensure that we have your correct address and GP contact details.
Waiting in clinic
You may like to bring a friend or family member with you; however seating is limited and we ask that only one person wait with you in the waiting area. There are no facilities for children at this hospital.
Delays can occur but our staff should always tell you the reason. If you are concerned about the length of time you are waiting, or there is a reason why waiting is difficult please speak to the clinic nurse or receptionist.
Everyone is seen in order of their appointment time, not in order of their arrival. If you are more than 15 minutes late, we may not be able to see you.
At your appointment
Your doctor and clinical team will ensure you are involved in decisions about your care or treatment. They will explain your condition and your treatment choices including the benefits, alternatives and risks. Your care will be overseen by a consultant however you may be seen by a member of their team.
Teaching and research
NHNN is a teaching hospital, so we may ask your permission for student doctors or nurses to sit in during your consultation. You do not have to have students present if you would prefer not to.
You could also be asked to take part in a research project. We will always ask for your consent first and you will be told fully what is involved. Your care will not be affected if you choose not to take part in teaching or research.
After your appointment
You may need a follow up appointment. This will be made by the receptionist after your appointment or we will write you. We will write to your GP to tell them about your consultation and we will send you a copy of this GP letter.
Prescriptions
Prescriptions given to you by your doctor or nurse must be collected from the hospital pharmacy. You cannot take them to your local chemist. There is a standard prescription charge per item. You can pay by cash or credit card. Card payments (after discussion with the pharmacy) can be made at the cashier’s office (ground floor Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine 020 3448 8870 / 3260), Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
The pharmacy is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
Many people are entitled to medications free or can get help with costs. To find out more, contact NHS Business Services Authority 0845 610 1171.
Claiming for travel fares
If you receive benefits or tax credits you may be entitled to claim for your travel. Please bring proof of your benefits or tax credits entitlement with you to the hospital and at the end, the receptionist will give attendance slip which you will take to the cashiers to get a refund. We do not reimburse taxi fares.
Refreshments
Our restaurant located on the lower ground floor of Chandler wing (7.30am to 8pm). Please do not eat or drink before your appointment if you have been asked not to or your appointment may be cancelled. If you are not sure please ask the clinic nurse.
Your health records
To ensure you get the best care possible we keep personal details about you. This information is kept strictly confidential and we observe our legal and professional duties when we process this information.
If you would like to know how your information will be used and protected by UCLH, please read our leaflet:
‘How we use your information’.
You may view your medical records by arrangement free of charge. If you wish for a copy there is a nominal charge. Please contact Medical Records Officer on 020 3448 8876.
For your safety and security
Please don’t bring valuables to the hospital or leave your belongings unattended whilst in the hospital. The hospital cannot be held responsible for items that are lost or stolen.
You can bring mobile phones into the hospital but they can cause disturbances in some areas. Please ask staff if it is appropriate to use your phone in whichever area you may be. It may be necessary for you to put your phone on silent or vibrate.
How to find us
