Elephant Ward

This ward has 13 beds, all of which are cubicles, and is for children with cancer, leukaemia and other non-malignant haematological conditions. The department provides a comprehensive service for the diagnosis, management and treatment of these conditions.

Depending on their diagnosis and treatment plan, children either have all their treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) or their care is split between GOSH and their local ‘shared care’ hospital. This second option means that children do not have to spend months in hospital when they could be at home.

Elephant Ward Nurses’ station telephone number: 020 7829 8821.

If your child has any additional needs, please call in advance to let us know.

If you have any other questions during your stay, please ask the modern matron, ward sister or nursing staff, who would be very happy to help.

The charity Children with Cancer UK offers advice and support.

Children on Elephant Ward are cared for by a large multi-disciplinary team which includes are our highly qualified nurses and clinical nurse specialists, haematology consultants, oncology consultants, physiotherapists, pharmacists, healthcare assistants, play specialists and housekeeping staff.

GOSH is also a teaching facility so you will see student nurses and doctors completing their training, but they will be supervised at all times by a qualified member of staff.

The following members of staff will be available to help you during your stay on the ward:

• Matron: Mary Foo-Caballero
• Ward Manager: Eleanor O’Toole (Helen)
• Housekeeper: Evaldo Reis de Araujo and Sumi Akter
• Play Specialist: Alanna Rudd

Some of the conditions and treatments on Elephant Ward include diagnosis and management of childhood leukaemia, lymphomas and solid tumours, histiocytic disorders and myelodysplasias, disorders of haemoglobin synthesis, red cell disorders and bone marrow failure.

Further Information can be found:

• Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group
• Cancer Research UK
• Macmillan Cancer Support

You can learn more about our clinical specialties by visiting:

• Haematology and oncology information for parents and visitors

You are a valued member of your child‘s healthcare team and we encourage you to take part in his or her care as much as possible while in hospital.

The ward has 2 kitchens, one of which has a small seating area for parent/carer use. There is hot water and drinking water available via taps, a microwave and a toaster. There is also a fridge with individual lockable cupboards to store your own items and a larger fridge/freezer for bigger items. Lunch and dinner for your child is provided by our catering team. Breakfast items and snacks are provided in the larger kitchen and you are able to help yourself to these. Meals are unfortunately not provided for parents/carers.

Each cubicle on Elephant Ward has facilities for one parent to stay overnight with their child, and each also has an en-suite bathroom which you and your child will be able to use. All cubicles are equipped with TV’s.

There is a large playroom on the adjacent Lion Ward which if your child is free from infection, can be used during weekday hours. If your child is infectious, our play team will facilitate daily play sessions and provide games, toys and crafts within your cubicle.

More information

For more information about facilities available for parents, family members, visitors and patients in the hospital, including the Chapel and multi-faith room, hospital school, activity centre and information on where you can eat or find facilities such as launderettes, please visit our Facilities A-Z page.