We invite family members and other visitors to the Clinical Center to feel at home in our facility. A list of Clinical Center telephone numbers is available. And don't forget you can always Contact Us.
The National Institutes of Health dedicated its new hospital, the Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center, in September, 2004. If you are a new or returning patient, this fact sheet includes some information you need to know before your upcoming visit. When you arrive at the Clinical Center, Hospitality staff will be available to provide more information and directions.
About our name
The Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center is an extension of the Warren Grant Magnuson Center, which opened its doors to patients in 1953. Together, the Magnuson and Hatfield Centers are the NIH Clinical Center
Getting to NIH and the Clinical Center
See Directions to the Clinical Center (Spanish version) for driving directions.
View Map
Vehicle Access
Special Campus Entrance for Patients and Patient Visitors
Use West Drive Patient Entrance at the intersection of West Cedar Lane and West Drive, directly north of the main entrance of the Clinical Center. The facility is designed to ease and speed NIH access for patients by providing one-stop security screening. (Please bring a photo ID if you are 16 or older.)
This gate is for entry only (except in emergencies). To leave NIH, follow signs to other exits.
When the patient entrance is closed
When the patient entrance is closed, enter through the the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility (CVIF) on Route 355 (Rockville Pike). Once you go through the vehicle inspection, follow the driveway until you reach Center Drive and make a right turn. Continue on Center Drive and follow signs to "Patient Parking" and "Clinical Center". The main entrance to the hospital will be to your left on Center Drive.
Daily 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Use the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility (CVIF)
Location: Rockville Pike (Route 355) between North Dive and Wilson Drive.
Pedestrian access
Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Use the NIH Gateway Center.
Location: Rockville Pike (Route 355) and South Drive
Monday-Friday 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; weekends and holidays
Use the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility (CVIF). Once cleared through security, a shuttle will take you to your destination on campus.
Location: Rockville Pike (Route 355) between North Dr. and Wilson Dr.
If arriving from METRO Monday-Friday 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; weekends and holidays
At the top of escalator, turn right and proceed towards "Bus Stop" area. To walk to the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility (CVIF) Entrance, follow the blue directional signs marked "CVIF" or to access a shuttle, use your personal cell phone to call 301-496-3316 and request a shuttle pick-up at Metro. A shuttle marked "Children's Inn/ Family Lodge" will arrive and take you directly to the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Facility (CVIF). Once cleared through security, the shuttle will take you to your destination on campus.
Security note for visitors and patients
Please be aware that Federal law prohibits the following items on Federal property: firearms, explosives, archery equipment, dangerous weapons, knives with blades over 2 1/2 inches, alcoholic beverages and open containers of alcohol.
Getting around the hospital
Floorplan 
(1.68 MB)
Hospitality desks are located throughout the hospital, including at the main entrance and in the lobby adjacent to the Patient Parking garage. Staff can answer your questions and provide directions.
Patient Services
Many of the resources patients need have relocated to the first floor of the new hospital. Near the Central Elevators you'll find Admissions, the Cashier and Voucher offices, and Patient Travel. Luggage can be stored in lockers located in the Transportation/Waiting Area at the main entrance. Social Work is on the second floor. Outpatient clinics remain in their current locations.
The hospital's two cafeterias (B1 and 2nd floor) remain in the Magnuson Center. A coffee bar in the new hospital's first floor atrium is open weekdays, 7 am – 5 pm.
More information on Patient Services
Shuttle Service and Public Transportation
Shuttles leave from the main entrance of the Hatfield Center. Shuttle service is available for patients and families who wish to go to the Children's Inn, airports, and nearby hotels. You may also use the campus shuttles to go to the Metro and other NIH buildings.
Shuttle schedules are online.
Parking for Patients and Patient Visitors
There are two options for parking and both are free.
- If you choose to self-park, go to the Patient Parking garage (P1), which is on the west end of the building off Convent Drive. Parking attendants will be available to assist you. You'll enter the new hospital through a new lobby on the lower (B1) level. Stop by the Hospitality desk to validate your parking ticket. The South Elevators serve the parking garages.
- If you'd prefer to use the valet parking service for patients and visitors, drive to the Clinical Center's new main entrance on Center Drive. Valet parking is available Monday through Friday, 7 am – 7 pm (excluding federal holidays). When you arrive, have your valet claim ticket validated at the Hospitality desk.
More information about Parking
Smoking Policy
Tobacco-Free NIH
For More Information
If you have questions before your upcoming visit, please call Admissions, 301-496-3141.
For more information about getting to the NIH, hospital services and the NIH Clinical Center in general—including the new Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center—go online, http://clinicalcenter.nih.gov, or call Clinical Center Communications, 301-496-2563.
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