Parkside Hospital - FAQs

About the hospital

Is parking available at Parkside Hospital?
Yes, free parking is available for private or self-paying patients at Parkside Hospital. Motorcyclists have designated parking spaces and are also exempt from parking fees.

NHS patients and all hospital visitors are required to pay the following parking fees:

• 0–2 hours: £2
• 2–4 hours: £3.50
• 4–6 hours: £5
• 6–8 hours: £7
• 24 hours: £13

The hospital’s camera-controlled car parking system requires all visitors to enter their vehicle's registration number. Those who have to pay the charge will need to download the APCOA Connect app to make payment. The charging period for the car park is 24 hours a day including weekends and bank holidays.

Please allow time for our car park supervisors to help you to find a space.

What are the visiting hours?
You can visit from 9 am to 9 pm each day. It is recommended to check in at the nurse's station upon arrival to avoid disrupting patient care, and, for safety reasons, visitors should check with the nurse in charge before entering the High Dependency Unit.

I am disabled/require assistance during my visit, who do I need to tell?
Please let our team know about any support you may need when you contact us or book your appointment. We can make suitable arrangements before you arrive, including level access throughout the building, wheelchair support, hearing loop access, large‑print information, and quieter appointment times if required. Chaperones are also available to escort you through the hospital. If you would like to bring a friend or family member for support, you are very welcome to do so.

Services for patients and visitors with visual impairment
We have bumper strips in place on walls and doors, however not colour contrasted. We provide chaperones to all patients, when required to escort throughout the building. Glass doors and full-height windows have contrast markings. We have information available in large print on request. Please let our team know in advance if you need any additional support during your visit.

Services for Patients and Visitors with hearing impairment
We provide hearing induction loop systems at reception to support patients and visitors with hearing impairments. Our fire alarm system includes flashing lights, and large print information is available on request. If you require any additional assistance, please let our team know before your visit so we can make suitable arrangements.

Services for Patients who require assistance with interpreting
We can provide telephone interpreting services through DALs. Please let us know if you require assistance with this.

About your treatment/operation

What time is my operation?
The time of your operation depends on a number of factors, such as how many patients your consultant has to see, and therefore we are unable to give you an exact time for surgery. Whilst the time given in your admission letter is the time you need to arrive at the hospital and not the time of your surgery, it is important that you arrive on time as your consultant and anaesthetist will want to visit you and our nurses will need to prepare you in readiness for surgery.

How do I get an appointment to see a consultant?
You would need to see your GP, or one of our private GPs, who will then make a referral to see one of our consultants. For cosmetic surgery and weight loss surgery appointments, seeing a GP first is not essential but it is still recommended.

If you have a referral, you book an appointment online. Find the right consultant by using the specialty or treatment filters on the page.

How long would it take me to get an appointment?
We endeavour to ensure all private patients will be seen within a few days and at a time that is convenient for you. Our appointments are designed to be flexible around your needs and activities.

Can I see a consultant for an appointment after work or at the weekend?
Our outpatient services operate from 08:00 - 20:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00 – 13:00 on Saturdays. Our outpatient services are closed on Sundays. Postoperatively, if a consultant decided they needed to see a patient urgently, this would be coordinated by our out-of-hours team.

Can I choose which consultant I wish to see?
Yes, as a private patient, you can choose your consultant.

Do you offer treatment for children?
We can see patients of all ages as outpatients. However, we only admit children aged 3 and above as inpatients.

Would my surgery be conducted by a junior doctor?
No, our hospital only works with consultants and therefore, you can be assured of the highest level of clinical care. Your appointments, surgery and follow-ups will be conducted by your consultant.

Can I eat and drink before my operation?
You may need to refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to your operation, but this will be detailed in your admission letter along with any other instructions such as needing x-rays or blood tests before coming into the hospital.

Do I have to remove my jewellery and piercings?
Yes, all body piercings and other jewellery should be removed before you arrive at the hospital. Plain wedding bands may be worn but will need to be covered with tape during surgery. Before your operation, you will also need to remove any nail varnish, nail extensions and cosmetics.

Are meals included in the price of my treatment?
Yes, all patients’ food and drinks are included in the price you pay for treatment.

Do you cater for vegetarians?
We cater for all dietary requirements, including vegetarian and kosher choices and special diets such as gluten-free.

Visitor meals
Your visitors are welcome to dine with you and can choose from our daily menu. Please note that visitors’ meals are chargeable and these will be added to your room account unless you advise otherwise.

Can I bring flowers?
Flowers are very welcome, but we do not allow them in our High Dependency Unit.

Can my partner bring my dog in to see me?
No, we only allow assistance dogs into the Hospital.

Can I use my laptop?
Yes this is fine. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Parkside Hospital.

Can I use my mobile phone?
Yes, as long as it does not disturb your treatment or that of other patients. All rooms have direct dial telephones for your use. Outgoing calls are chargeable.

How can my visitor/partner telephone me?
To call an individual patient room, please dial 020 8971 8000 and the select option 1, followed by option 4, then follow the instructions. This then bypasses our main Hospital switchboard.

Can I smoke in the hospital?
Patients and visitors are not permitted to smoke anywhere within the hospital building or grounds.

I am coming in for a day case, do I need to bring my nightclothes?
No, you will be provided with a Hospital gown for your time here. Please bring with you a pair of slippers and a dressing gown.

When can I go home?
This is dependent on your recovery but your consultant or nurse will advise you how long you will need to stay in hospital for. Overnight patients will be expected to vacate their room by 11am on the day of discharge.

If there is anything else you want to ask, please do not hesitate to contact us on 020 8971 8012