St George's, Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Group

01/04/2026

Some GP services will be open over the Easter break, so if you feel unwell please do contact your practice.

If they are closed, you may be directed to NHS 111 online or alternatively you can visit your local pharmacist.

Pharmacies are extra busy around Bank Holidays and opening hours may be different, so please do make sure you’ve ordered your repeat prescription ahead of the Easter weekend.

You can see which pharmacies are open during the Easter holidays via nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy

31/03/2026

Leaders at our hospital Group have raised the Trans flag on International Transgender Day of Visibility (Tuesday 31 March), to show support for transgender colleagues, patients and communities.

We are showing our commitment to the transgender community that their safe and compassionate care is a priority – especially as LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes.

Almost half of trans people have thought of taking their life in the last year and over half avoided going to the doctor when they were unwell.

We are also committed to helping transgender colleagues feel supported in the workplace – and are encouraging people to take small steps such as choosing to wear a rainbow badge, which can signal to colleagues that they can talk to you and can encourage patients to feel confident seeking care.

James Blythe, interim Chief Executive, said: “From our Emergency Departments to our community services, our transgender colleagues are essential to delivering excellent care for patients – we could not provide our services without them and we want them to feel safe and supported at work.

“And if you’re transgender and you have a health issue, we don’t want you to avoid seeking help – we are here for you and will treat you safely and with kindness, respect and compassion. We might not get it right every time, but we want to keep learning and improving.”

Transgender Day of Visibility takes place every 31 March. It marks a time to celebrate trans and non-binary people, and to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by the community worldwide.

Zee Karame, Clinical Research Nurse in St George’s Emergency Department, said: “Transgender Day of Visibility is a reminder that we are equally part of society, contributing and living our lives. It validates our existence and helps create understanding and inclusion.”

30/03/2026

📅💊 We advise anyone with a repeat prescription to order them in good time ahead of the Easter holidays to avoid delays.

Pharmacies are extra busy around Bank Holidays and opening hours may be different, so we recommend making sure that any repeat prescriptions are ordered now.

Find out which pharmacies are open near you during the Easter holidays via nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy

30/03/2026

📢 More than 3,000 people attended St George's Emergency Department last week with Monday being the busiest day.

We must prioritise our sickest patients first so if you do not need emergency treatment you may end up waiting even longer or be redirected to a more suitable NHS service.

💻️ If you or a loved one is unwell please use NHS 111 online first where you will be directed to the right place for treatment depending on your symptoms.

💊 Alternatively your local pharmacy may be able to help you and they can also treat seven common conditions without you seeing a doctor first.

28/03/2026

🗨️ “Each patient, each story, and each heart is unique.”

Meet Joana Alexandre Rodrigues, Principal Cardiac Physiologist, at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals, who is this week's staff story.

This is where we hear about the difference one of our dedicated staff members makes to our patients and communities, and how they are unique ❤️

Joana said: “I grew up in a small village in Portugal called Vale do Paraíso, not far from Lisbon. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in healthcare, and at 17, I discovered Cardiac Science at a job fair—a moment that shaped my career.

“In 2015, I moved to the UK with my husband and two sons to explore new opportunities. The move wasn’t without challenges, but I was warmly welcomed by the fantastic team in Cardiac Investigations at Epsom & St Helier, many of whom have become lifelong friends.

“People often ask if my job ever gets boring. My answer is always the same - there are no dull moments or boring days, because each patient, each story, and each heart is unique. One of my proudest achievements was earning the Certification in Adult Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), and more recently, being told by a colleague that I am ‘an inspiration’, both as a mum and as a Cardiac Physiologist, was especially meaningful.

“Outside work, I enjoy running and walking in the countryside and spending time with family and friends, especially by the beach in Portugal. Something that might surprise people is that I was once part of a traditional folk group, celebrating the music, dance, and dress of the 1920s.”

28/03/2026

27/03/2026

Meet our amazing team of health play specialists at Epsom and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children

The team are registered healthcare professionals who use play as a tool to support children and young people who are in patients or out patients at our hospitals.

They make the children feel safe and in control, using preparation, distraction and post-procedural play techniques.

Thank you Amanda, Helen, Jess, Kristy and Libby and all you colleagues for everything you do ❤️

25/03/2026

Families and colleagues joined First Touch, St George's neonatal unit’s charity, for the launch of a very special book called Sian’s Big Swim.

Written and illustrated by Megan O’Hanlon, proud big sister to neonatal patient Sian, the book is a gentle, child-friendly story designed to help siblings understand their baby brother or sister’s journey in the neonatal unit.

Through Megan’s illustrations and storytelling, it encourages children to explore their feelings, ask questions and feel part of their family’s experience.

To mark the launch, every family with a baby on the neonatal unit was given a free copy.

The event also marked the opening of Louise’s Library, a tribute to Louise Williams, who served as First Touch Co-ordinator for 12 years and believed strongly in the power of books to help families connect and bond.

Learn more about the First Touch charity and their work here First Touch - supporting babies at St George's Hospital.

24/03/2026

Visitors may face longer waits to access the car park at Epsom hospital due to ongoing essential improvement work, expected to last until the end of April.

We are minimising this disruption by closing a maximum of 10 parking spaces at a time and scheduling resurfacing work for the weekends – while we advise anyone attending the hospital to use an alternative mode of transport where possible.

There are direct public transport services to Epsom station from central London and local bus routes to the hospital include the E5 from Langley Vale, the 166 from West Croydon, 293 from Morden, 408 from Cobham and the 479 from Guildford.

24/03/2026

✨ You get the best of both worlds… and so can your health ✨

Celebrating the anniversary of Hannah Montana by reminding young people that balancing school, friends, online life and wellbeing isn’t always easy — and that’s okay 💜

Small steps matter:
🧠 Talk about how you’re feeling
😴 Protect your sleep
📵 Take screen breaks
🤝 Ask for support

Search 'Every Mind Matters' for simple and practical ways to ease anxiety, manage stress, lift your mood and sleep better.

20/03/2026

🗨️ “I’ve helped young people from challenging backgrounds, including those with past involvement in gangs, gain skills, rebuild confidence, and see that their past doesn’t define their future.”
Meet Harry Dosanjh, Apprenticeship & Early Careers Manager at St George’s, who is this week's staff story.

This is where we hear about the difference one of our dedicated staff members makes to our patients and communities, and how they are unique ❤️
Harry said: “My journey into this career wasn’t planned. After graduating in HR around the 2008 recession, I struggled to find work. After a short stint selling printer cartridges, I applied for a role at a training provider specialising in apprenticeships. I still remember my interview, when asked what I knew about apprenticeships, I said honestly, “I’ve never heard of them.”
“I quickly learned how apprenticeships help young people get into employment while continuing their education. It resonated with me because I hadn’t enjoyed school, and if someone had shown me alternative ways to learn, my path might have been very different. Over the years, I’ve helped young people from challenging backgrounds, including those from Pupil Referral Units or past involvement in gangs, gain skills, rebuild confidence, and see that their past doesn’t define their future.
“Fourteen years later, I’m still in the apprenticeship sector, now supporting staff to develop skills, progress in their careers, and achieve ambitions. What I enjoy most is talking to people, helping them explore options, build confidence, and realise what’s possible.
“Outside work, I’m a thrill seeker, Arsenal supporter, and family-focused, weekends are often filled with walks, park trips, and family days out. I love that apprenticeships aren’t just for new starters, they’re for everyone. Once someone gains skills, confidence, and knowledge, it stays with them for life.”

20/03/2026

Wishing all our Muslim colleagues, patients and visitors a very happy Eid al-Fitr 💫

Eid Mubarak ❤️