Visiting and Supporting Families
Brompton Fountain staff and volunteers often make visits to The Royal Brompton Hospital's Paediatric wards, Rose Ward and PICU. Parents often appreciate having someone to talk with about the days events and evenings in hospital can get very boring and lonely. We offer support and information and, occasionally, have an evening fundraising activity. If you are due to go into The Brompton please let us know and we will come along and say hello. We can also provide information about your stay before hand and can usually put you in touch with another family who have been through the same surgery or course of treatment.
Where to eat?
The hospital canteen and coffee shop provide good food and there are microwaves for parents to use in the accommodation areas. It is good to leave the ward and have a break from the hospital environment. Here are some suggestions of places we have found offer good food and good value for money. If you have found anywhere not listed here, please let us know.
What to buy?
A bit of retail therapy can help with the stress of being in hospital. Here is our guide to some of the shops that can be found around The Royal Brompton Hospital.
What to do?
Most children are allowed off the ward when they are not actively involved in treatment or school. Why not take the opportunity to explore this area of London.
The Natural History, Science and Victoria and Albert Museums are just around the corner. They are free and have regular children's activities, especially at weekends and school holidays.
Battersea Park is just across the River Thames. They have a lovely playground, interesting gardens, pedal boats and cycle hire, including recumbent and family bikes. There is a children's zoo within the park. Disabled children are half price and one adult gets in free with them. We have discussed this with staff who have agreed that children undergoing hospital treatment will count for half price admission and a free adult. You will need proof so ask your nurse to jot a quick note to say you are currently in hospital at The Brompton and a quick sentence about your child's condition.