CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Paediatric surgery
Your child’s health, in safe hands
- No.1 - the only private hospital in the UK for women and children
- More than 40,000 babies and children cared for every year
- 9 level 3 intensive care beds for the highest level of care
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Paediatric surgery at HCA UK
Why choose us?
From initial consultation to recovery, your child will be cared for by a team of paediatric experts – including leading surgeons, specialist nurses, and play therapists, all working together to support their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Our multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) bring together expertise from across our wider network to deliver safe, co-ordinated care. With state-of-the-art surgical facilities, a dedicated paediatric hospital and a compassionate, child-first approach, we’re here to make sure your child gets the very best care – and support you at every stage.
Our multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) bring together expertise from across our wider network to deliver safe, co-ordinated care. With state-of-the-art surgical facilities, a dedicated paediatric hospital and a compassionate, child-first approach, we’re here to make sure your child gets the very best care – and support you at every stage.
Paediatric general surgery covers a wide range of procedures involving the abdomen, digestive tract, and internal organs. This includes common conditions like hernias and appendicitis, as well as surgical treatment for cysts, gallbladder issues, skin lesions, and biopsies of tissue or internal organs.
Our consultants care for children with conditions ranging from the routine to the complex. The surgeries we perform include, but are not limited to:
- Appendicitis
- Cysts and soft tissue lumps
- Inguinal hernia
- Umbilical hernia
If your child has persistent abdominal pain, a noticeable lump, or has been referred by a GP or paediatrician, then our specialist surgeons can help. An early consultation helps to ensure a prompt diagnosis and, where needed, timely surgical care.
We offer both day-case and inpatient procedures, including laparoscopic (keyhole, minimally invasive) procedures where appropriate.
Our aim is always to deliver gold-standard care, giving your child timely, effective treatment, with as little disruption as possible, all in a setting designed specifically for the comfort of children and their families.
Fast access to specialists
Appointments confirmed within 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours
Treatments for complex conditions
We focus our breadth of expertise on your child
PAEDIATRIC SURGERY SERVICES AT HCA UK
Pioneering surgery, tailored to your child’s needs
From abdominal and cardiac surgery to ENT, urology and orthopaedics, we offer expert care across a full range of paediatric specialisms. Every child is treated by a dedicated team of consultants, nurses and clinical staff, with access to the latest surgical techniques and a hospital environment designed for families and children.
Paediatric abdominal surgery
From hernias to appendicitis, our specialist surgeons treat a wide range of abdominal issues using minimally invasive techniques wherever possible, and ensuring safe, effective and fully personalised care.
Paediatric cardiology
Our paediatric cardiac service offers highly specialised care for babies, children and teens with complex heart conditions.
Paediatric ENT
Ear, nose and throat issues are common in babies and children. Although they're often as simple as a blocked nose or sore throat, these symptoms may need investigating if they recur.
Paediatric urology
Expert advice and specialist treatment to help your child manage a wide range of urological, nephrological and genital disorders.
Paediatric orthopaedics
Specialist orthopaedic care for children at The Portland Hospital. Fast access to expert consultants, diagnostics and surgery for injuries and complex conditions.
The Portland Scoliosis and Spinal Surgery Centre
A centre dedicated to the treatment and care for children experiencing spinal symptoms, with everything from back pain to complex spinal surgery.
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance for your child to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote from the start, outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
The process
What to expect
We understand that it can be overwhelming when a child’s unwell. That’s why we aim to make every step of the journey clear, supportive, and centred on your child’s needs. From the first appointment to diagnosis and treatment, our team is here to guide and reassure you throughout.
If you have any questions not answered here, feel free to get in touch. We’ll try to help in whatever way we can.
01
Before surgery
From the moment you arrive, we’re here to support and guide you. Specialist nurses and our play team can help your child prepare for their procedure in a calm, age-appropriate way.
You’ll meet their surgical and anaesthetic team, who will talk you through what’s going to happen, answer any questions you may have, and ensure your child’s safe, comfortable and ready for their procedure.
02
During surgery
Once your child is safely under anaesthetic, our team will begin the procedure. Throughout the operation, our paediatric anaesthetist will monitor vital signs like blood pressure, oxygen levels, temperature and heart rate to ensure your child remains stable and pain-free.
Meanwhile, your child’s surgeon will work alongside a skilled team of nurses and theatre staff, using advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to carry out the procedure with precision and care. Every step is designed to prioritise safety, minimise discomfort and achieve the best possible outcome.
03
After surgery
Once the procedure is complete, we’ll take your child to the recovery area, where they’ll be closely monitored as they wake from the anaesthetic. They’ll have experienced paediatric nurses by their side throughout, offering comfort and reassurance.
Once fully awake, they’ll be transferred back to their room, where you can wait for them if you wish. And we’ll tailor pain relief and follow-up care to your child’s specific needs, ensuring that their recovery is as safe and comfortable as possible.
Take a tour of The Portland Hospital
Take a whistle-stop tour of The Portland Hospital with Abigail and Hannah as they embark on a treasure hunt that sees them visit the different departments to see exactly what they offer.
Location
Your child will be looked after by leading specialists at The Portland Hospital, in London.
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Paediatric surgery FAQs
Yes. At The Portland Hospital, paediatric surgery is carried out by highly trained consultants with experience in treating even the youngest patients.
Your child will be cared for in a specialist setting with dedicated paediatric anaesthetists, surgical teams and nurses focused entirely on your child’s comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery, but many children recover quickly and are up and about within a few days.
Your consultant will give you detailed aftercare guidance based on your child’s specific condition, and make sure you have all the support you need both at the hospital and at home. Follow-up appointments help monitor your child’s progress and healing.
Yes. Where appropriate, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy to reduce scarring, shorten recovery times and minimise discomfort.
Your consultant will advise whether this is suitable for your child. Again, this will be based on your child’s condition and the type of procedure needed.
We aim to make every visit as comfortable as possible. It can help to explain to your child why they’re seeing a doctor and what might happen – for example, if they have to give a urine sample or have a scan.
Bringing a favourite toy or book can also make them feel more comfortable. If any special preparations are needed, we’ll let you know well in advance.
All paediatric surgeons at The Portland Hospital are leaders in their field, with expertise across a range of conditions. You can view consultant profiles and specialties on our website or speak to our team, who can help match you with the most appropriate specialist for your child’s needs.
We offer a full suite of child-focused support, including play specialists, child psychologists and dedicated clinical nurse specialists (CNSs).
Our team is here to offer guidance and support at every stage, from diagnosis and treatment through to recovery and beyond.
Pick-up and drop-off options: Visitors can pick up and drop off patients at the main entrance. No parking is allowed as the driveway is for emergency vehicle access.
Local parking: There’s no on-site parking and street parking isn’t permitted on a single yellow line between Monday and Saturday, from 8.30am to 6.30pm. However, national and private car parks are available nearby. Please contact the admissions team if you need help finding a local car park near the hospital.
Disabled parking: Westminster Council operates a small number of disabled parking bays near the hospital, available to Blue Badge holders for up to four hours. The nearest one is on the corner of Bolsover Street, next to Tesco Express.
Local parking: There’s no on-site parking and street parking isn’t permitted on a single yellow line between Monday and Saturday, from 8.30am to 6.30pm. However, national and private car parks are available nearby. Please contact the admissions team if you need help finding a local car park near the hospital.
Disabled parking: Westminster Council operates a small number of disabled parking bays near the hospital, available to Blue Badge holders for up to four hours. The nearest one is on the corner of Bolsover Street, next to Tesco Express.
We have open visiting at The Portland Hospital. However, we recommend that visitors leave by 10pm. If your child’s staying overnight, this gives both parents and child the chance to settle for the night. Should you wish to stay overnight with your child, we can provide you with a bed for one parent.
Our patients' stories
Leah's scoliosis surgery
Mum Dawn explains how scoliosis surgery at The Portland Hospital changed her 15-year-old daughter's life.
Lenny's SDR surgery
Lenny was 13 months old when he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Thanks to specialised surgery at The Portland, his walking is rapidly improving.
Ava's cochlear implant surgery
At five days old, Ava Pearson was diagnosed as profoundly deaf. Her parents share the story of Ava’s successful cochlear implant surgery.
“The staff were beyond supportive – any little thing Lenny needed, they were there.”
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