Your Guide to the Royal Free Hospital

The Royal Free Hospital on Pond Street is one of North London's most important NHS trusts — a major teaching hospital with world-class facilities for everything from routine outpatient appointments to specialist liver transplantation and HIV treatment. If you live in Hampstead or nearby, it's almost inevitable you'll need to navigate its corridors at some point.

Getting There

The Royal Free is well served by public transport. The nearest tube station is Belsize Park (Northern line), roughly a 10-minute walk down Pond Street. Buses 46, 268 and C11 stop directly outside. If you're driving, note that parking on-site is limited and expensive — the main multi-storey on Rowland Hill Street charges from £4 per hour. Several roads nearby operate CPZ permits, so check signs carefully before leaving your car.

A&E and Urgent Care

The Emergency Department (A&E) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is accessed via the main entrance on Pond Street. For non-life-threatening conditions, you may be directed to the Urgent Treatment Centre within the same building, which typically has shorter waiting times than the main A&E. Always call 111 first if you're unsure whether your condition requires emergency care — they can book you a time slot and significantly reduce waiting times.

Key Departments

• Liver Centre — one of the UK's leading liver transplant units
• HIV/Sexual Health — a national reference centre with a pioneering reputation
• Oncology — the Hampstead Cancer Centre provides chemotherapy and radiotherapy
• Renal Unit — dialysis and kidney transplantation
• Maternity — the Royal Free delivers approximately 4,500 babies per year
• Neurology — including specialist MS and Parkinson's services

Outpatient Appointments

If you've been referred by your GP, outpatient appointments are booked through the NHS e-Referral Service (formerly Choose and Book). You'll receive a letter with instructions, or your GP may book on your behalf. Arrive 15 minutes early to check in at the relevant department reception. Many departments now offer virtual appointments by video — ask your GP if this is available for your referral.

Practical Tips

The hospital has a café on the ground floor (open daily 7am–8pm), a WHSmith pharmacy and convenience store near the main entrance, and free WiFi throughout public areas. Visiting hours vary by ward — always call ahead on 020 7794 0500 before visiting an inpatient. Prayer rooms and a multi-faith chaplaincy service are available on Level 1.