About St Thomas’ Hospital
St Thomas’ Hospital is a major teaching hospital in central London and the largest site of the Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. It occupies a prominent riverside location on Westminster Bridge Road – opposite the Houses of Parliament on the south bank of the Thames – and is an “iconic centre of care and learning” in the city (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ). The hospital complex houses around 840 beds, one of London’s busiest A&E (emergency) departments and a wide range of specialist clinics (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ). It is closely linked with King’s College London and King’s College Hospital for medical education and research.
St Thomas’ has a long history dating to the medieval period. Its roots go back to around 1173 when a small hospital (then called St Thomas the Martyr) cared for the sick poor near Southwark (by what is now Southwark Cathedral) (oldoperatingtheatre.com ). It was refounded as a royal hospital by King Edward VI in 1551 (after being suppressed under Henry VIII) and became known as “St Thomas the Apostle” (oldoperatingtheatre.com ). The hospital remained in Southwark for centuries until the 19th century. When London’s expanding railway network forced it to move, St Thomas’ occupied a temporary site in Walworth before a new riverside campus was built at Lambeth. Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone of the new St Thomas’ in 1868, and the hospital opened in 1871 with a pavilion-style design championed by Florence Nightingale (oldoperatingtheatre.com ). Many of those original Victorian wards were later rebuilt (in the 1960s–70s) in a striking modernist style clad in white tiles (oldoperatingtheatre.com ).
Today St Thomas’ combines historic architecture with up-to-date facilities. Three of the original 1871 pavilion buildings survive amid newer north and south wings. Inside you’ll find specialist departments in almost every field: the trust notes it is **“one of the UK’s leading centres for emergency, acute and critical care,” offering cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, respiratory and gastrointestinal services, neurology, ophthalmology and more (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ).** The hospital also runs one of London’s busiest maternity units – about 6,000 babies are born here each year (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ) – and is renowned for transplant work (highly regarded liver and kidney transplant programmes). All told, St Thomas’ is a critical part of London’s healthcare system, providing urgent life-saving care and specialist treatment at any stage of life (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ). Its long legacy (from 12th-century origins through pioneering nurses like Florence Nightingale) and its prime location along the Thames make St Thomas’ not only a working hospital, but a distinctive London landmark.
Events and Programming
Unlike a concert hall or theatre, St Thomas’ Hospital is primarily devoted to healthcare, so there aren’t ticketed shows or entertainment programs in the usual sense. However, the site is still active with community and charity events. The Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity, for example, organises walks, fun runs and health awareness days that often start or end on the hospital grounds. The Florence Nightingale Museum (housed nearby) runs exhibitions and talks on medical history, which hospital visitors sometimes attend. In the wards themselves you may see occasional music or art therapy sessions and seasonal celebrations: for example, staff and volunteers famously dress up as Christmas elves to bring gifts and carol concerts to patients each December (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ). In short, while there are no “public performances” in the building, St Thomas’ frequently hosts health fairs, public seminars and festive events thanks to its charity and teaching connections. (International and visiting medical conferences are also held here, given the hospital’s teaching status.)
Appointments and Visiting
There are no admission tickets needed to come to St Thomas’. Medical appointments must be arranged through the normal NHS referral process: usually your GP refers you to a consultant or clinic, then the hospital books a specific date and time. Check your appointment letter carefully and arrive for registration at the relevant department (for example, the main Outpatients centre or an imaging department). If you have a question before your visit, you can call the hospital switchboard or use the online NHS e-Referral portal, but you will not “buy” a ticket – your care is covered by the NHS (for UK residents) or by insurance if you are an overseas patient.
Similarly, family or friends don’t need tickets to visit inpatients. Standard visiting hours for adult wards at St Thomas’ are from about 2pm to 7:30pm, but you should always check with the specific ward (some wards may have slightly different schedules) (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ). Typically up to two visitors at a time are allowed per patient. Children usually cannot visit adult wards unless special permission is granted. You do not need to book or pre-register to visit someone, but you may have to sign in at the ward desk when you arrive. If you’re accompanying someone for an outpatient appointment or collecting a patient, you can come anytime during the day – roughly 8am to 8pm. In case of emergency admissions (A&E, maternity, etc.), you simply arrive at the designated entrance (see parking section below) – urgent care areas accept walk-ins 24/7 with triage, and families can join the patient once treatment starts.
Cost and paperwork: For UK patients, most standard treatment and visits are free under the NHS (except prescription charges and optional private services). International visitors should carry proof of travel/health insurance if applicable. As a visitor, your main cost will be transport and meals on site – there is no “entry fee” to the hospital building itself. All visitors and patients should have a form of ID and any appointment details handy. Haemophiliac frames? No, but bring any medical notes to your appointment. The hospital’s “Patient Advice and Liaison Service” (PALS) can assist if you have special requirements or questions about arrangements on your visit (www.accessable.co.uk ).
Layout and Facilities
The St Thomas’ campus is a set of interconnected buildings laid out in blocks. The main entrance (sometimes called the “Jimmy’s” or main concourse) leads into a large foyer with information desks, seating, and shops. If you head right from the reception area you will pass a row of outlets (newsagent, small shop) and come to an AMT Coffee kiosk about 28 metres from the front door (www.accessable.co.uk ). This concourse connects to lifts and escalators accessing the North Wing, Road Annexe, South Wing and Evelina children’s hospital. Wayfinding signage is generally good; colored itinerary panels or the staffed information desk will point you to clinics, wards or Radiology. (In fact, the hospital has step-free access throughout and automatic sliding doors at most main entrances (www.accessable.co.uk ).)
Seating is available in most waiting areas. You’ll find benches and chairs outside wards and clinic rooms, and more tables and seats in the food court beside the shops. The floors are tiled and corridors are fairly long and wide; acoustics tend to be quiet except for occasional overhead announcements. Visitors often note that toward the river end of the hospital (in upper floors of North Wing, for example) you can glimpse the Thames and Westminster opposite. If you have a long wait, the foyer has comfortable chairs by the shops, or you can sit at the café tables. Free NHS Wi-Fi (network “NHS WIFI”) covers most parts of the building (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ), so you can use your phone or computer while you wait (though the Trust advises against streaming video, as explained in their Wi-Fi terms). There is no formal VIP section – the layout is uniform – but you will find a few benches and rest areas in the main corridors if you need a quieter spot.
Inside the hospital you’ll also find all the usual patient services. Restrooms (including disabled and baby-change facilities) are located throughout the concourse and wards. A resident pharmacy in the main concourse dispenses prescriptions for patients and also sells basic supplies (Easter eggs and magazines, toiletries, cards and small gifts are available from the “Friends of St Thomas’” charity shop here). While there is no coat check, there are lockers and cloakrooms in some departments if needed (ask at reception if you have large baggage). Emergency phones and hospital help points are placed by the atrium, and staff or volunteers in uniform are stationed at several information points if you need assistance. Overall, expect a clean, modern hospital atmosphere – the main foyer is brightly lit (daylight roofing) and corridors are kept tidy – but remember it’s a medical facility, so noise should be kept low and the environment is calm and professional.
Getting There and Parking
St Thomas’ Hospital’s address is Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH . It sits in the London Congestion Charge zone on the south bank of the Thames. Drivers should be prepared for heavy traffic and limited parking near the hospital. A dedicated hospital car park is accessed via Lambeth Palace Road, just north of the main entrance (www.accessable.co.uk ). This open-air lot has a height restriction (about 2.8m) and uses barrier control. Because space is limited, the Trust advises using public transport whenever possible (www.accessable.co.uk ). If you do drive, you will need to pay for parking (via pay-on-foot machines or app). Note that all regular parking tariffs apply, so even short visits incur central-London rates.
Blue Badge holders will find dedicated disabled bays in the hospital car park, and parking in these is free (www.accessable.co.uk ) (www.accessable.co.uk ). In fact, signage at St Thomas’ clearly states that valid blue badge holders park free on site (www.accessable.co.uk ). There are over 10 such bays close to the North Wing entrance (www.accessable.co.uk ) (www.accessable.co.uk ), roughly 16 metres from the foyer. No advance booking of accessible spaces is needed. For dropping off patients, there is a marked drop-off point just before the main entrance barriers – it has a lowered kerb (no markings) so you can park briefly and unload right by the door (www.accessable.co.uk ).
Public transport is generally the easiest way to reach St Thomas’. The nearest Tube station is Westminster (District, Circle and Jubilee lines), about a 10-minute walk east along the river (www.accessable.co.uk ). Waterloo station (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo lines and national rail) is about 10–15 minutes on foot to the north (www.accessable.co.uk ). Bus stops on Westminster Bridge Road (right outside the hospital) are served by numerous London buses – notable routes include the 12, 53, 159, 211 and RV1 – and several night buses (N44, N155, N159, N381, etc.) stop nearby as well (www.accessable.co.uk ). For river travel, the London Eye Pier (River Thames Clipper service) is a two-minute walk west. Cycling is possible too: several Santander Cycle docking stations are near Waterloo station (5–10 minutes away) and there is covered cycle parking on site. In most cases tourists or visitors find coming by Tube/bus faster than driving.
Inside the Hospital
On entering St Thomas’, you should first check in at either the patient reception desk or the ward/main counter for your appointment. Security staff may screen bags or ask the purpose of your visit, especially near the emergency entrance (the hospital is in a high-profile area). If you are visiting someone on the wards, say which ward and patient name to the desk. Visitors are also required to observe simple health-and-safety rules: for instance, all visitors must use the hand sanitizer available at every main doorway and keep phones on silent per hospital policy (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ). Staff may also ask anyone with cough or cold symptoms to take a mask (in any infectious disease area). Do not bring flowers or food into intensive care areas – they are generally discouraged to protect patient safety.
There are several food and drink outlets right inside the hospital. The main foyer has an AMT Coffee stand (offering coffee, tea and snacks) and a small supermarket kiosk for sandwiches and drinks (www.accessable.co.uk ). Beyond that is an M&S Foodhall + Café where you can grab a meal, sandwiches or drinks throughout the day – this is convenient for families or outpatients. If you need a full sit-down meal, note that there are no restaurants inside the secure hospital area (besides these cafes) – you’d have to exit and re-enter. Vending machines for drinks and snacks are also dotted around the concourse and ward areas. For basic supplies (books, newspapers, toiletries), check the main shop run by the hospital charity (“Friends of Guy’s & St Thomas’”) in the concourse. Patients’ relatives often use these shops to pick up a snack or last-minute gift.
Coat and baggage space is limited – it’s best to keep personal belongings to a minimum. Lockers are not generally provided, so most people carry small backpacks/handbags or leave coats on hook racks outside wards. Mobile connectivity is good within the hospital, and free “NHS Wi-Fi” is open to all visitors and patients (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ) (just connect to the network named “NHS WIFI” and accept the terms). The signal is random in some basement areas, but 3G/4G is usually available on your phone throughout. In sum, expect a normal hospital atmosphere: a busy, practical interior (with lifts and corridors full of staff and trolleys) but also many helpful amenities. Volunteers in colored jackets and hospital guides often patrol the concourse to answer questions – don’t hesitate to ask them for directions or help with paperwork.
Nearby Amenities
Right outside St Thomas’ there are many places to eat and stay. On Westminster Bridge Road itself you’ll find familiar chains: a Pret a Manger, Costa Coffee and Starbucks are all a short walk away, plus a McDonald’s and Greggs bakery. For more substantial dining, the South Bank is very close by: County Hall (just across Westminster Bridge) houses Marriott’s Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar and the OXO Tower Brasserie. The Royal Festival Hall (five minutes east) has cafes like Skylon overlooking the Thames. A 10-minute walk north takes you through Waterloo with even more options – Wagamama, Nando’s, PizzaExpress, and several pubs (including a large Wetherspoon) near Lower Marsh and Waterloo Road. If you’re in for an extended stay, remember that central London hotel rooms are plentiful: the London Marriott County Hall (adjacent) and Premier Inn / Ibis on the South Bank are very close. Park Plaza County Hall, Novotel Waterloo and several Travelodges or Holiday Inns are all within a 10–15 minute walk. In short, dining ranges from quick sandwich shops by the hospital entrance to riverside bars and pubs a block away. Late at night, tube service ends around midnight on weekdays (East London line runs later through Waterloo), but many night buses (e.g. N44 or N381) will still pass Westminster Bridge Road and Waterloo Stn in the early hours.
What Makes This Venue Special
St Thomas’ stands out for both its history and its role in London’s culture. Few hospitals in the world are as old: it traces its name to Thomas Becket’s veneration in the 1100s and has cared for Londoners ever since. It represents the dawn of modern nursing – Florence Nightingale famously taught and reformed care here in the 19th century. Architecturally, the mix of 1870s pavilions (originally fronting the Thames) and 1970s concrete blocks is unique. Its riverside setting gives patients and visitors a striking view of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Many memorable medical milestones happened here, such as London’s first hospital demonstration of X-rays in 1896. Perhaps above all, its blend of tradition and innovation – a Victorian hospital rebuilt in a modern way – is part of what local people love. Staff often remark on a friendly, committed culture; families with long-term patients note that many doctors and nurses stay here for most of their careers.
Today St Thomas’ also has a broad cultural resonance: it is tied to the story of the NHS and has appeared in literature and film to symbolise medical care. Economically, as one of central London’s biggest employers (tens of thousands of staff), it shapes the local community. Because it sits in the heart of the city, St Thomas’ also feels like an essential London landmark – you might take transit along the Thames just to glimpse its white tower. In practical terms, both patients and visitors frequently cite the hospital’s “state-of-the-art” facilities (modern cardiology suites, imaging technology) combined with compassionate care as special features. Nursing students, doctors and volunteers often tell stories about the camaraderie and pioneering spirit at “St Thomas’,” and many Londoners recall generations of family births and recoveries here. In short, this hospital is special for its deep legacy of care, its prime location on the South Bank, and the high standard of medicine and research it maintains.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: St Thomas’ is very accessible. The main entrance has no steps and offers automatic doors (www.accessable.co.uk ). Inside, most corridors and lifts accommodate wheelchairs or pushchairs. ASL and language interpreters can be arranged via Patient Advice (PALS). The trust participates in the Sunflower Lanyard scheme, so hidden disabilities are recognised – speak to the information desk if you or your patient might benefit from a lanyard (www.accessable.co.uk ). Accessible toilets (with grab rails) are available on each floor (just off the main concourse), and there are over ten marked Blue Badge parking spaces close to the entrance (www.accessable.co.uk ). If you require assistance moving around, volunteer guides and staff can help.
What to bring: Always carry your appointment letter or patient ID card to outpatient visits. Bring some form of photo ID for your first visit. It’s wise to have any relevant medical info (such as medication lists or a written referral) ready. Wear comfortable shoes – the hospital is large and you may walk a lot. For inpatients, consider packing your own toiletries, nightwear and a small amount of food and water for your stay (hospital meals are provided, but drinks and snacks for visitors are usually a good idea). Do not bring tobacco, illegal substances or large sums of cash – the hospital is a smoke-free site. (Only assistance dogs are allowed past security.) Loose-fitting warm clothing is often recommended, as wards can be cool for patient comfort.
Hospital rules: Visitors should put their mobile phones on silent and avoid loud conversations, both to protect patient privacy and to respect mealtimes. Food and drink are only allowed in visitor lounges or cafeterias – eating at a patient’s bedside is discouraged for hygiene. All visitors must sanitise or wash hands on entering and leaving any clinical area (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ). Smoking is banned on all hospital grounds (enforced by law). Photography inside clinical areas is not allowed (patients’ privacy laws). If you need to bring medication or special equipment for a patient, check with staff first. Lastly, always follow staff instructions (for example, some wards have additional infection-control measures; one nurse may ask you to don a mask or gown in certain zones).
Insider tips: Arrive early to allow time for parking and signing in – clinics often start promptly. Use the main foyer’s seating if your ward has no waiting area. Free hospital Wi-Fi can be used for browsing and email (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ) (don’t rely on it for streaming video). Many people find it helpful to bring a book or charger since some waiting areas are outdoors or in corridors without tables. If visiting in winter, note there’s a covered entrance but it can still be chilly. The hospital is well-served by coffee shops (see above) so bring spare change for a hot drink – most cafeterias accept card payments too. Finally, if you have young children, ask about children’s waiting areas or play items (Evelina children’s hospital nearby has toys – but these cannot be taken to adult wards). Above all, remember that St Thomas’ staff are used to help visitors, so don’t hesitate to ask anyone in uniform for directions or explanations. Following these guidelines will help make your visit as smooth and comfortable as possible.
What is the address of St Thomas’ Hospital in London?
St Thomas’ Hospital is located at Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH . It is on the south bank of the Thames, by Westminster Bridge (opposite the Houses of Parliament). The main entrance faces Westminster Bridge Road and is clearly signposted. The nearest tube stations are Westminster and Waterloo.
How can I get to St Thomas’ Hospital by public transport?
St Thomas’ is very well connected. The closest Tube stations are Westminster (District, Circle, Jubilee lines, ~10 minutes’ walk) and Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo lines, 10–15 minutes’ walk) (www.accessable.co.uk ). Numerous London buses stop on Westminster Bridge Road in front of the hospital (routes 12, 53, 159, 211, RV1, etc.), and night buses (N44, N155, N159, N381) serve the area too (www.accessable.co.uk ). There is also a riverboat pier (London Eye pier) just a few minutes away on the Thames. Taxis and ride-shares can drop you off at the hospital’s main entrance.
Is there parking at St Thomas’ Hospital and how much does it cost?
Yes, there is a hospital car park accessed via Lambeth Palace Road. Parking spaces are limited, so public transport is recommended (www.accessable.co.uk ). The car park uses pay-and-display or app payment. Standard central London parking charges apply (typically a few pounds per hour). Blue Badge parking is free – there are over ten marked disabled bays near the entrance (www.accessable.co.uk ) (www.accessable.co.uk ). When dropping off patients, use the designated kerbside drop-off lane by the entrance (it has a lowered kerb for wheelchair access (www.accessable.co.uk )). Always check posted signs or ask on arrival for the latest rates and policies.
Where are the park and Blue Badge drop-off points at St Thomas’ Hospital?
The hospital car park is in front of the building off Lambeth Palace Road (www.accessable.co.uk ). Inside it, Blue Badge holders have many reserved bays (each ~4.2×5.5m) and can park for free without pre-booking (www.accessable.co.uk ) (www.accessable.co.uk ). The nearest designated Blue Badge bay is only about 16m from an entrance (www.accessable.co.uk ). There is also a marked drop-off point immediately before the entrance barriers where vehicles can pause to let passengers out; it has a lowered kerb for wheelchair access (www.accessable.co.uk ).
Which Tube and train stations are closest to St Thomas’ Hospital?
Westminster station (Circle, District, Jubilee lines) is about a 10-minute walk down the Embankment (www.accessable.co.uk ). Waterloo station (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and South West Trains) is around 10–15 minutes’ walk via Stamford Street or Upper Ground (www.accessable.co.uk ). Both are clearly signposted through the Soho/Whitehall area. Other nearby stations within 20 minutes’ walk include Charing Cross and Southwark .
Is there on-site parking at St Thomas’ Hospital for motorbikes or bicycles?
St Thomas’ provides covered cycle racks near the main entrance for bicycles, and these (like all hospital parking) are free to use. There is no charge for parking a motorcycle in the car park (just pay the same as for a car if applicable). In practice, many cyclists simply use the nearby Santander Cycle docking stations around Waterloo Station if they prefer not to enter the campus. If arriving by bike, allow a few extra minutes to securely lock it before entering the building.
What are the visiting hours at St Thomas’ Hospital?
Visiting hours for adult wards are generally from 2:00pm to 7:30pm (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ). Outside these times, visitors should check with the ward manager or nurse, as exceptions can be made (for example, end-of-life visits). Most wards allow up to two visitors at a time. Outpatients (appointments) have no set “visiting hours” – you can accompany a patient whenever you arrive during clinic times. There are special rules for children (usually only one parent may visit a child under 16) and for the children’s hospital (at Evelina, visiting is 24/7). Always check in advance with the specific ward or clinic on the day of your visit.
Can I bring a child when visiting a patient at St Thomas’ Hospital?
As a rule, children are not allowed on adult wards at St Thomas’ (this is to protect patient well-being). Children may visit if it’s an exceptional situation (e.g. a dying relative) and only with staff permission (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ). If you need to bring a baby or young child, speak to the nurse in charge first. Note that children can freely visit the adjacent Evelina London Children’s Hospital , which is part of the same site, but each unit has its own policies. For simple precaution, avoid bringing young children on your first visit to an adult ward unless you’ve confirmed it with staff.
Do I need a ticket or booking to visit someone in the hospital?
No, you do not need a ticket or appointment to visit a relative or friend as long as you come during visiting hours. You will simply let the reception or ward desk know the patient’s name and ward. If you are visiting as an outpatient, you do need to have previously booked that appointment through your GP or referral source. But as a visitor (for example, seeing an inpatient), you can usually turn up without notice during normal visiting times. Check with staff if in doubt about procedures at specific departments.
Are there COVID-19 restrictions or mask rules at St Thomas’ Hospital?
St Thomas’ follows NHS infection control guidelines. There is no general mask mandate now, but if you have respiratory symptoms you may be asked to wear a mask in certain areas. Hand sanitiser is provided at every clinical entrance, and visitors are required to use it on arrival (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ). Many wards still ask visitors to keep phones silent and avoid touching anything unnecessary. The hospital advice pages (online) will update any specific outbreak rules, but as of 2025 basic precautions (hand hygiene, staying home if unwell) are recommended for everyone. Staff will guide you on any extra safety measures in special areas (for example, isolation bays or protected children’s wards).
What facilities (shops, Wi-Fi, ATMs) are available inside the hospital?
Inside St Thomas’, you can find a few cafes and shops in the main concourse. An AMT Coffee kiosk is located near the front entrance (www.accessable.co.uk ) (selling hot drinks and snacks), and beyond it is an M&S Foodhall with ready meals and sandwiches. A small newsagent or gift shop run by the hospital charity sells newspapers, toiletries and cards. Free NHS Wi-Fi is provided throughout most of the buildings (connect to the “NHS WIFI” network and accept the terms) (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ). ATMs/cash machines are available in or near the foyer if you need cash. In short, basic amenities (cafe, shop, wi-fi, toilets) are all located on the ground floor of the main hospital building or attached wings.
Does St Thomas’ Hospital have free Wi-Fi?
Yes. The hospital offers free public Wi-Fi under the NHS network. Anyone (patients, visitors or carers) can connect by selecting the “NHS WIFI” network on their device, reading and accepting the terms, and then using the internet (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk ). The service is intended for light use (email, browsing, health apps) and blocks video streaming or large downloads. Coverage is generally good in waiting areas and cafes, though signal may be weaker in some back corridors. Refresh the connection when you move floors if needed.
Is there an ATM or cash machine inside St Thomas’ Hospital?
Yes, you will find an ATM in or near the main concourse of St Thomas’. Typically, there is a cash machine adjacent to the shops or near the cafe area (often a Lloyds or Nationwide machine). This allows patients and visitors to withdraw cash without leaving the hospital. (If you don’t see it right away, check near the information desk or ask at reception. Many people find it next to the gift/charity shop.) There is no bank branch inside the hospital, just the ATM.
Are there food and drink options inside or should I bring my own?
There are basic food services available inside St Thomas’, so you generally do not need to bring your own meals. As mentioned, the AMT Coffee stand and M&S Foodhall in the main concourse sell hot drinks, snacks and sandwiches. However, those outlets do close in the evening (earlier than 8pm), so if you arrive late in the day you might want to bring a snack from outside. Comfortable visitors often carry a water bottle and some packaged snacks “just in case.” Note that actual sit-down cafés are not inside the secure hospital area, but vending machines and quick options are plentiful in the foyer. Also remember that some wards have “protected mealtimes” where you should not eat at the bedside.
What restaurants or hotels are near St Thomas’ Hospital?
St Thomas’ stands in a very busy area with plenty of nearby amenities. For restaurants, you have everything from fast food to fine dining. On Westminster Bridge Road there are casual spots (Pret, Greggs, pubs) and a few Indian/Korean takeaways. Crossing the road to County Hall, you’ll find rows of river-view restaurants (e.g. the Skylon lounge and OXO Tower Brasserie) and the Marriott’s Gillray’s Steakhouse. Near Waterloo station (a 10-minute walk) are many eateries and bars including Wagamama, PizzaExpress, and a large pub called The Dovetail.
Is healthcare at St Thomas’ free or do patients need to pay?
St Thomas’ is part of the NHS. For UK residents, most care (A&E treatment, outpatient visits, operations) is provided at no direct cost – there are no clinic “ticket” fees. Overseas visitors should check visa/insurance requirements (some non-UK patients pay). Prescription charges do apply in the UK unless you are exempt, but admission and appointments themselves are covered. Private patient services (at the King Edward VII or other private wards) are separate and must be paid for by the patient or insurer.
How do I book an appointment or register with St Thomas’ Hospital?
You do not book through St Thomas’ directly; instead, talk to your GP first. Your GP will refer you to St Thomas’ if specialist care is needed. Once referred, the hospital’s booking centre will send you an appointment letter by post or email. Some services allow you to refer yourself online (e.g. certain physiotherapy or imaging), but generally the GP’s electronic referral system is used. Always bring the appointment letter and any warning cards to the hospital when you come. If you need to change or cancel, call the number on your appointment letter or the hospital switchboard – they manage bookings centrally.
What should I bring and not bring when visiting St Thomas’ Hospital?
Bring only essentials. Carry your ID and any appointment documentation. If visiting a patient, bring light refreshments (hospital gift shop is open to visitors) but do not bring tobacco or alcohol (those are prohibited on NHS sites). Avoid strong perfumes or large bags that may slow you down, as you’ll often need to queue or sign in. Dress casually but comfortably (the hospital can be chilly). Do not bring pets, weapons or aerosols. If visiting a patient, small gifts like books are fine, but check first (flowers are not allowed on intensive care units). Finally, bring a charged mobile phone or charger – public sockets exist but they’re not everywhere.
