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SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

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Original poster

Top Tips for a stay at GOSH?

12 replies

poochela · 01/04/2011 22:46

We are taking ds for surgery at GOSH sometime this summer, have you any advice/top tips about staying overnight?

Thanks heaps xx

OP posts:

lisad123isasnuttyasaboxoffrogs · 01/04/2011 23:09

Only one parent can stay with child normally so book nearby hotel. Go via train. Eat in the staff cafe, it's nice food and good prices.

Original poster

poochela · 01/04/2011 23:15

Ta box. Someone said that they've got a hospital hotel at GOSH- have you heard of this?

OP posts:

chuckeyegg · 01/04/2011 23:26

In case it's helpful here's a link to nearby hotels. here

lisad123isasnuttyasaboxoffrogs · 02/04/2011 08:26

Tbh I think the hotel is for parents of very sick children that are there a while. Nit sure if your child comes into that lot but I would just call and ask they are very helpful

r3dh3d · 02/04/2011 08:41

We haven't been inpatient at GOSH for a couple of years so I might be a bit out of date. From what I remember, it depends very much on which ward you are in - it's a rambling ancient building with constant building and renovation going on so the accommodation is very variable. Some wards are modern, lots of space, ensuite loos, etc. Some are grotty, cramped (particularly with all the equipment in them these days) and no aircon so sweltering in summer. Whenever we've been there they've had major problems with TV reception so though in theory there's entertainment in practice bring your own DVD player. If you may have any special requirements at all, phone up the ward in advance and chat to them.

There's a supermarket fairly nearby, and the staff canteen has improved greatly (salad bar etc). Make sure you get directed to that, not the starbucks/costa/whatever adjacent to it, or the very ho-hum cafe in reception.

Original poster

poochela · 02/04/2011 19:03

pure gold ladies, thanks.

Box thats useful info about staying over, he's a frequent flyer at our local hosp due v complex needs but he should only be staying for one night up there.

chuck cheers for that

r3d you are sooo right about dvd player! We have those awful expensive card tellies at our hospital.

OP posts:

brandy77 · 02/04/2011 20:42

Take a pillow! Ive stayed a lot on a newer ward where you get a fairly comfy recliner chair for one parent but pillows are scarce, 2nd parent has to stay elsewhere. When you go in the main building theres a windowed office where you can sort out travel money reimbursements and they advise on the hospital hotels IF they have room. They get pretty booked up and are given to the neediest, like someone with a child staying a long time like someone said earlier. oh and definitely take ear plugs!

flyinstar · 02/04/2011 22:38

call gosh about their accommadation opposite the main entrance to the hospital,my son was a patient for a few days,but like others have said ,it does get booked up quickly,the acc is very nice,v clean,the ward parent kitchens are not so great,and its very busy,especially with all the outpatients aswell.lots of lifts,and shop in hospital is expensive,so take a good supply of munchies from home,there are limited disabled parking bays just outside the main entrance,but if you can,take a train or coach as parking and london traffic is chaos,best of luck for the op!

oddgirl · 03/04/2011 10:43

The Weston House Hotel opposite the hospital is designed to try and reduce the number of children occupying in patient beds so used for those having scans etc and those not needing nursing/medical input. You may get a bed there but its unlikely.
Dont even attempt to drive its a nightmare to park and the traffic wardens are persistant to try and ticket. Lovely park called Coram Fields nearby. Now a Costa Coffee as well as the Peter Pan cafe and main restaurant.
Of course lovely nurses too...

Original poster

poochela · 03/04/2011 22:16

making notes, thanks you guys!

OP posts:

Davros · 04/04/2011 08:27

If you have a blue badge you can park in residents' bays indefinitely and P&D for shorter times but don't cross Southampton Row as the parking rules change. You will be very near the Peoples' Supermarket so have a look if you need to get out! Russell Square is very lovely and the British Museum is in walking distance if you need a break.

HerRoyalPoochness · 30/04/2011 14:18

Right, have got our dates now (14th June) and have booked train and am using your link chuck so thanks a million for that. They've sent me the 'Essential Information for Families' pack in the post but you've saved me faffing about and ringing round. [csmile]

Peoples Supermarket you say Davros ? how very interesting. I missed the series on that but would love to have a snoop around there. Thanks.

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