Services Research Teaching Patients & visitors GPs Jobs News & media About us Private patients Contact us Home > About us Become a trust member Corporate information Council of governors Equality, diversity and inclusion Working with our partners Our history Patient safety Public health Trust board World class expertise, local care Who’s who at the Royal Free London Stakeholder updates About us The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and we continue to play a leading role in the care of our patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. Established in 1828 by William Marsden, a newly qualified surgeon shocked that he could not find treatment for a penniless young woman, the Royal Free's founding principle was that they would take in anyone who needed treatment – the first hospital in London to do so and the only London hospital to stay open during the 19th-century cholera epidemics. In the 21st century, we continue to lead improvements in healthcare and are proud to have some of the best clinical outcomes in the country. Our mortality rates have been consistently among the best in English trusts for many years. Browse the options below to find out more or download our 'about us' booklet. Related links Our history Our vision, mission and values Services A-Z World class expertise, local care Become a trust member You can become a member of the Royal Free London as long as you live in England, are 16 or over, or are a carer for a patient that is under 16 years old. Corporate information Information about our quality accounts, priorities and commitments can be found here. Council of governors Equality, diversity and inclusion Working with our partners Our history Patient safety Public health Trust board World class expertise, local care Who’s who at the Royal Free London Stakeholder updates Queen Mary's House Back to top Contact us Barnet Hospital | Chase Farm Hospital | Royal Free Hospital Switchboard 020 3758 2000 Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust CQC overall rating Requires improvement 10 May 2019 See the report Services A-Z Consultants A-Z Resources A-Z Wards A-Z Privacy statement Accessibility Site map Website by Electric Putty