Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust: five hospitals and community care in London

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS hospital foundation trusts in the United Kingdom. Its work combines hospital and community healthcare, research and teaching. The organisation describes itself as one of the UK's leading providers of hospital and community care, research and education, and structures its activity around five main hospitals and a network of community health centres.

The foundation trust's five hospitals

The trust operates five hospitals: Guy's Hospital, St Thomas' Hospital, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Royal Brompton Hospital and Harefield Hospital. Each has its own historical background: St Thomas' was founded in the 12th century, Guy's in the 1720s, Royal Brompton in the 1840s, Evelina London in 1869 and Harefield in 1915. The organisation notes that these centres have been at the forefront of medical innovation for centuries.

Community care in Lambeth and Southwark

In addition to its hospital activity, the trust provides community services in the London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark. Its offer includes general and specialist care throughout life, and it has a network of community health centres. The organisation describes itself as one trusted team with five hospitals, caring for the community throughout life.

Clinical services and specialties

The trust's catalogue of services covers areas such as cardiovascular, community dental, emergency department (A&E), kidney, maternity, sexual health, urology and cancer care through Guy's Cancer. The organisation also offers flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, and provides tools on its website to help find beds, services and community health centres.

Research, teaching and staff

Research and education are central to the trust's activity, which describes itself as a leader in clinical innovation and excellence. Its work includes world-leading research and the adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies. The organisation has a workforce of 23,600 people dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of its communities. Its governance structure includes a board of directors, governors and members.

Access to information and care

The trust offers patients digital tools such as the MyChart app and access to electronic health records. It also publishes information on outpatient appointments, staying in hospital, help with travel, staying safe during visits and visiting a patient. For health professionals, it has specific sections on education, research and private patient referrals.

Transparency and publications

The organisation publishes annual reports, statutory declarations, board minutes and papers, equality reports, safe staffing levels and the medicines formulary, among other documents. It also produces regular publications such as The GiST magazine, aimed at patients, members and staff, and the eGiST email newsletter. The trust holds an annual public meeting and maintains a media centre with news and updates.

Locations and sites

Guy's Hospital location: Great Maze Pond London SE1 9RT

Royal Brompton Hospital location: Sydney Street London SW3 6NP

St Thomas' Hospital location: Westminster Bridge Road London SE1 7EH

Harefield Hospital location: Hill End Road Harefield UB9 6JH

Evelina London Children's Hospital location: Westminster Bridge Road London SE1 7EH