During this time of visiting restrictions, we have introduced 'Letters To Loved Ones' at UCLH.
Having to suspend visitors in all but exceptional circumstances was one of the hardest things we have had to do. We know how much it means to patients when they receive messages from their friends and family. 'Letters To Loved Ones' is one of the ways that we are helping to keep patients in touch with their family and friends during this difficult time.
If you want to send your loved one a message or letter on a ward in one of our hospitals, just email your message to uclh.
We will then print your message or letter and deliver it to your loved one on the ward with any photos you may have attached.
Remember to include your loved one's full name, date of birth, ward they are on (if known), and any special requirements (for example large print).
The telephone numbers for the different hospitals are listed in our hospitals pages and in our individual service pages. When you ring, please ask for the ward name. If you don't know the ward name, ask for ward enquiries.
It is helpful if just one person telephones with enquiries and then informs other relatives and friends: this ensures that nurses do not spend too much time answering the phone. Unfortunately, we do not have enough telephone lines for patients to take incoming calls, but we can always take a message for a patient or ask them to phone you back.
Except in emergencies, please try to phone after 10.00 wherever possible. We cannot give medical information over the telephone. If your relative or friend is having an operation, the nurse in charge of the ward will tell you how soon after the operation you can ring to find out how they are.
If you require information about a patient, the doctors and nurses will wish to know what your relationship with the patient is, and seek the patient's permission before speaking to you in any detail about the condition and treatment.
Post is delivered to the wards every day. To ensure safe delivery, please address your letters and parcels like this:
Patient's Name
Ward Name
Hospital Address
Patients are also free to use their mobile phones in hospitals, including on the wards (unless local risk assessment indicates otherwise). Most areas of the hospitals are served by our guest Wi-Fi which can be used to make calls and video-calls.
