Walrus Ward

Walrus Ward is a ward where children and young people are admitted for procedures and investigations for their heart, lungs and airways.

Patients also come to Walrus Ward for pre-operative assessment before having heart surgery and come to Walrus ward on the day of their surgery to be cared for before they go for their operation.

Walrus Ward has six beds. There is room by each bed for two carers to sit while you have your assessment or treatment.

Walrus Ward is located in the Morgan Stanley Clinical Building.

Nurses’ station telephone number: 020 7813 8347.

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

Walrus Ward is mainly run by our team of nurses, who work closely with the doctors to help you get better. Additional members of the team who work on the ward include a house keeper, a ward clerk and a play specialist.

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

• Matron: Carolyn Akyil
• Ward Manager: Jenny Hamson
• Housekeeper: Daiga Leite
• Play Specialists: Cheryl Sterling (Mon-Thurs), Sasha Morris (Fri only)

Some of the conditions and treatments on Walrus Ward include, congenital heart disease (where you are born with heart problems), Children who have heart rhythm defects, pulmonary hypertension, respiratory disease, post heart and lung transplant procedures and airway assessment procedures.

Further information can be found:

• The Children’s Heart Foundation
• British Heart Foundation
• British Lung Foundation

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.

Mobile phones can be used in the cubicle and the corridor outside the ward. Using them elsewhere can interfere with our medical equipment, and can also be disruptive to other families. You can use your mobile phone around the hospital but only in designated mobile-friendly zones.

Walrus ward has a well-equipped playroom and a play specialist who will organise activities. The play specialist can provide age appropriate play opportunities and can help to prepare your child for the procedures that he or she will undergo in hospital.

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.