Updated 9 May 2023

From Monday 21 November 2022, the Royal Free London’s visiting policy will change.

Visitors to the hospital will no longer have to book an appointment to see in-patients. Instead, in-patients staying on most wards (please see the exceptions below) can have up to two visitors at their bedside at any one time during the designated visiting hours for each ward.

The visiting hours for wards are found here.

Please remember that many of our patients are elderly or immune-compromised and so are vulnerable to COVID-19. As such, visitors may be required to wear face masks inside the hospital and using hand sanitiser.

Our visitor’s charter sets out what you can expect from us and what we will expect from you in return, including the safety measures that are still in place regarding visiting.  You read the visitor's charter here. 

Some wards where vulnerable patients are being cared for, including 9 North, 10 East, 11 South at the Royal Free Hospital will only allow visiting on compassionate grounds, this includes:

  • Where patients are receiving end of life care (last days and hours of life)
  • They have a mental health issue, dementia, a learning disability or autism, have had a stroke or brain injury
  • Where the attendance of a key contact will benefit a patient's clinical condition or wellbeing (please note that ward staff will get in touch with you if a visit will be beneficial) 

Please speak to a member of the ward staff to discuss visiting if you think this may apply to you or a friend or relative.

For patients with COVID-19 staying in the intensive care unit at the Royal Free Hospital, please speak to the nursing team to discuss visiting.

Please see the full guidance on visiting here.