( Patient & Visitors )
We provide specialist, paediactric care in a welcoming child-and family-centred environment-led by expert teams and delivered in a state-of-the-art facility.
Patient & Visitor Information
Everything you need to plan your visit to Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital—from referral requirements and documents to bring, to current visiting hours and on-site guidance for families and caregivers. As a specialist paediatric referral hospital in Johannesburg, NMCH was created to give children access to world-class care regardless of their background. We treat appropriately referred children up to the age of 16, serving families across Gauteng, South Africa and the wider SADC region. Our purpose-built 200-bed facility is welcoming and child-friendly, with family lounges, gardens and play areas, and our dedicated multidisciplinary teams provide advanced inpatient and outpatient care—supported by volunteers who help children feel safe, comforted and cared for.
Secure parking available at no charge
Visiting hours are: 10am - 12pm and 3pm to 5pm
Extended access for primary caregivers anytime
Admission requirements
Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital accepts patients by referral only from hospitals in our referral network. To process your referral, please submit your referral letter along with the required documents: proof of ID for the patient and parent/guardian, a Road to Health Card (if applicable), proof of residence, and proof of income if you’re applying for subsidised care. If you have medical aid, please include your medical aid authorisation number. Private and foreign patients will need a cost estimate from NMCH Credit Control, and foreign patients must also provide a letter of guarantee. Send everything to referral@nmch.org.za or deliver it to the hospital’s main reception.
What to bring
Have these ready for your visit
Medical
Medical records and history
Current medications and allergies listed
Identity
Identification and insurance details
Valid ID and coverage information
Contact
Referral letter from your doctor
Specialist referral if applicable
Comfort
Personal items for your child
Favorite items and comfort objects
Explore the Hospital
Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital is a bright, welcoming, child-friendly space designed to help patients and families feel comfortable—from warm reception areas and family lounges to gardens and play areas. Inspired by the natural beauty of South Africa and the African continent, the hospital blends clean, modern architecture with bold accents and rich textures
On-site Support for Families
From thoughtful amenities to safe, supportive spaces, our on-site facilities are here to make long hospital days a little easier for children and their caregivers.
Gift Shop
Located next to I Love Coffee, our volunteer-run gift shop supports patients and families during their stay. Every purchase—whether a small gift or a practical item—helps fund specialised care for children who need it most.
I Love Coffee
Situated near the main reception, I Love Coffee offers quality coffee and food with a strong social mission. They create opportunities for Deaf youth through employment and skills training, and we’re proud to have them as part of our family.
Family Accommodation
Managed by Ronald McDonald House Charities, our top-floor family accommodation includes 27 rooms, including a kitchen, dining area, library, lounges, play area and more. It’s for families staying long-term, subject to policy criteria.
FAQ
Answers to questions families, donors, and healthcare professionals ask us.
How do I plan a visit?
Visit our plan your visit page for hours, parking, accommodation options, and what to bring.
Is there financial assistance?
Yes—40% of our patients receive care through donor support and our sliding scale billing.
How do I refer a patient?
Healthcare professionals can access our secure referral portal or contact our clinical team directly.
What services do you offer?
We provide 18 specialist services including neurosciences, cardiac care, nephrology, and critical care.
Can I donate or volunteer?
Absolutely—visit our donate page to give monthly, once-off, or join our volunteer programme.
What makes NMCH different?
We practice Ubuntu—putting every child first, combining clinical excellence with compassionate care.