Your visit
How to get to the Royal Children's Hospital
The hospital is only minutes from the city centre, and about a 20min drive from Tullamarine airport.
See an interactive location map from the following websites (these links can take a while to load, so please be patient):
Public transport
To get to the hospital from the city, take tram 59 from Elizabeth Street or tram 55 from William Street. Tram stop 17 on Flemington Road is outside the main entrance of the Royal Children's Hospital.
Parking
Enter the car park from Gatehouse Street (this is the only entry to the car park).
To gain entry, the boom gate must be raised by taking a ticket from the ticket box at the gate. There are limited spaces and you may be required to queue to enter. You may be asked to leave your keys.
Limited parking bays are available for those with an eligible disability parking permit.
Vehicles with a height greater than 2.1 meters are to contact the Car park staff, who will assist you with appropriate parking.
Car park office - telephone 9345 6403
Payment & Exit
Payment is made at one of the Autopay stations prior to returning to your car.
Exit can be made via either Gatehouse Road or Flemington road (note left hand turn only at the Flemington Road exit)
Cost
The fees for one continuous stay are:
0 - 20 minutes - Free
$5 first hour, additional $4.00 for every additional hour or part there of, up to a maximum of $19 per 24 hours.
$19.00 for 1st day, plus $7.00 per day to a maximum of $38.00
Discount Parking
You are eligible for a discount parking card if your child:
Is an inpatient for three days (discount will be available from the third day)
Receives a disability allowance (eg Child Disability 'CD' on their Health Care Card or Disabilty Support Pension 'DSP' on the Pension Card)
Discount cards are available at the Information Desk. These cards are for primary carers of patients and not for their extended family or visitors.
If you do not meet the above eligibility criteria and believe you are in a hardship situation, please contact our Social Work Department, on 9345 6111.
Discount rate
$6.00 ( 1 - 24 hrs)
Repeat parking
The discount card entitles parents to exit the car park for a total of $6.00 per day - for more information and assistance please contact our Parking Administrator, who is located at the front enquiry desk, or you can call on 9345 6782
Dropping off
There are 2 drop of zones. One is located at the main entrance and the other in the Emergency Department area.
Parking in the Emergency Department area is strictly prohibited.
Getting ready to come to RCH
What to tell your child
Children need to understand what is going to happen when they come to hospital. Be clear and honest, it is important to use simple words you think your child will understand. When answering their questions try and be as truthful as you can. There are many helpful books available to assist you which are available at the Resource Centre for Child Health and Safety 9345 6429. You may also find our online Kids Health Info Factsheets helpful
What to bring
For your child
- The most important thing to bring for your child is a special toy or cuddly blanket
- Pyjamas (light weight), dressing gown and slippers
- Toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, comb etc
- Activities such as books and pencils etc
- Walkman or Discman with earphones and some favorite music for listening.
Please mark all personal things with your child's name. Space is limited on the ward, so do not bring too much.
Other items
- Details about your GP, name, address and contact numbers
- Medicare card and health fund book/card
- Maternal and child health book
- Any medications that your child is currently on, including non-prescribed medications and herbal preparations.
- Medical equipment or disability aids (if applicable)
- Personal items for yourself if you are staying with your child overnight. A sleeping bag and pillow is appreciated (there are a limited number of fold down beds available).
What not to bring
Valuables - the hospital is not responsible for any loss or theft of you or your child's possessions.
Electrical equipment - any plug in equipment (eg T.Vs)
Battery operated items are fine to bring.
Medications and complementary alternative medications
For your child's safety, we need to know about ALL the medicines they have been taking. This includes medicines prescribed by a doctor, bought without a prescription from health food shops, pharmacies or supermarkets and any complementary or alternative medicines. These are sometimes called natural remedies and include vitamins, minerals, herbal therapies, tonics, aromatherapy and homeopathic medicines.
Please tell the doctor, nurse or ward pharmacist this information when you come to hospital so that there is less chance of missing an important medicine, doubling up or giving medicines that might interact
It is also important to provide these hospital staff with details of any allergies your child has or is suspected of having, such as previous unwanted reactions to medications.
Elective/booked admissions
Confirmation of admission date
When you receive your admission and booking letter you need to confirm your child's acceptance for their proposed procedure.
Please telephone the waiting list and booking service on 9345 4613 to confirm. Hours Monday to Friday 7.30am - 4.30pm
This will also assist us in confirming your correct telephone number and obtaining any additional information that may be required.
If you are unable to contact the number which is provided, then please telephone the Admissions Office on 9345 6179.
If you cannot come as arranged
If your child is unwell, has a temperature, runny nose or cough, or you can't come for any reason, then please telephone the admissions office on 9345 6179 or 9345 6182 and let us know as soon as possible.
Postponement of surgery
Occasionally the hospital has to postpone admissions due to an unexpected high number of emergency admissions. We do try to avoid this happening as we realise how upsetting it can be. Should this occur, the hospital apologises for the inconvenience and will arrange another admission as soon as possible.
Fasting
We know children don't like being hungry or thirsty but fasting is a MUST. Please refer to the admission letter from the hospital (or your doctors rooms) advising you of when to come to the hospital and follow the fasting instructions carefully.
If you do not follow the instructions, the operation or procedure may be postponed. If you have any questions about the fasting instructions, please contact your child's doctor.
Having an anaesthetic
A free comprehensive 24 page booklet detailing many issues related to planned surgery and anaesthesia is available through the Anaesthetic department by telephoning 9345 5240, or from the Resource Centre for Child Health and Safety (CHAS) by telephoning 9345 6429. You can also access this information online.
Consent
Consent is giving permission for a test, operation or procedure to go ahead.
The doctor will let you know why the test, operation or procedure needs to be done.
The doctor will let you know what will be done and how it will be done.
You will also be told of any problems that may happen.
It is important that you fully understand the test, operation or procedure your child will have, so take time to ask any questions you may have.
For some procedures and operations you will be asked to sign a form after talking with your child's doctor.
You should never be rushed into signing the form so again take time to ask any questions you may have.
There may be an information sheet about the test, procedure or operation your child is to have, please ask the doctor if there is one.
If your child is old enough, the doctor may ask for their views and permission for the test, operation or procedure to go ahead.
Life on the ward
RCH is a public hospital and wards are shared with other children and their families. Single rooms are allocated for clinical/medical needs only.
You may notice that not all staff wear formal uniform, although they all wear identification badges. It can be confusing not knowing who is in charge of your child's health care. If you are unsure who a person is, PLEASE ASK.
Do not hesitate to ask "who is who" and in particular, who is in charge!
A nurse will greet you and your child on arrival to the ward. The nurse will tell you about the ward and answer any questions. They will notify the doctor of your child's arrival on the ward. The doctor will examine your child and ask you specific questions.
Please ask as many questions as you need about your child's treatment/management.
Daily ward activities
Activities/routines differ on each ward, so please ask your child's nurse if you have any questions.
Children's meals
Meal times for the children vary on each ward, so please check with the nursing staff. Please let the nursing staff know if your child has any special dietary needs.
If your child is required to fast, the staff will inform you.
Please do not offer food or drink to other children, as they may have special dietary needs or be fasting.
Parent Meals
There are a number of commercial food outlets, see Food.
Other meal facilities for families are:
Wards provide breakfast cereal for those parents who stay overnight with their child. A lunch trolley visits most wards, selling a variety of fresh sandwiches and rolls, salads, fruit and cold beverages.
Breast feeding mothers of infants under 12 months of age, may have meals provided during their child's stay. Please ask the nurse looking after your child.
Partners of patients in the Post Natal Mothers Unit may order meals, which will be delivered to the unit with the patients meal. A small charge is made for meals. Please ask the nursing staff for assistance.
Families may purchase meals on weekends from the Food Services Department, 1st floor. A small cash charge is made for the meals.
Parents wishing to purchase kosher meals should ask the nursing staff to contact the food service department.
Tests/treatments
It is important to find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it will help your child. Write down when the results of tests will be available and check them with your doctor.
Visiting hours
Parents and carers are welcome any time. Children recovering from illness or surgery need their rest, other family members and visitors are asked to visit at the following times 8.00am - 12.00pm and 2.00pm - 7.30pm.
Leaving the ward
If you wish to take your child away from the ward, please check with the nursing staff that he/she is well enough to leave the ward. The staff need to know where you will be going and for how long.
Our nurses
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Unit Manager - is the most senior nurse on each ward, and has overall responsibility for the management of the ward
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Associate Unit Managers - are experienced registered nurses that are on each shift and are responsible for running the ward during that shift.
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Your child's nurse - a registered nurse on each shift that is allocated to care for your child. This nurse will also have other patients to care for.
Our doctors
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Resident medical officers - are qualified doctors who are gaining more experience in the treatment and management of children. -
Registrars - are doctors who are enrolled in a specialist training program, working towards becoming a consultant.
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Consultants - are doctors who have spent many years training in their area of specialization. Your child will be admitted under the care of a consultant who will also supervise the resident and registrar. You may not see the consultant on every occasion, however he or she will still be in charge of your child's treatment.
If you have any concerns or questions about your child's care, please ask to speak to the Unit Manager of the area or your child's treating doctor.
You can also contact the Consumer Liaison Officer 9345 5676.
Teaching
The Royal Children's Hospital is a teaching hospital for doctors, nurses and allied health staff. A student may ask to talk to you or your child and/or examine your child. We encourage parents to participate, however if you have any objections, please say 'no' and speak with the Unit Manager - Nursing.
We also provide training for doctors from overseas, these doctors are qualified doctors who are gaining more skills in the care of children.
Staying with your child
Parents are always welcome to spend as much time as possible with their child and can be involved with their care. You may also stay with your child during most medical treatments.
We can sometimes provide a fold down bed for one parent. Unfortunately space is limited and we cannot offer much privacy. It is preferred that you bring a sleeping bag or your own linen.
Lounge areas and shower/toilet facilities are available - please ask the ward nurse.
Parent accommodation
Accommodation is available for parents of critically ill children, breast feeding mothers and parents of children who have had to travel long distances. An accommodation fee is charged for these rooms. Due to the large demand there is a waiting list for parent accommodation. An 'alternative' list of nearby boarding houses and motels (PDF KB) is available from the Family Resource Centre.
The parent accommodation officer can be contacted on 9345 5359 .
Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.45pm
Saturday 10.45am - 3.30pm
Sunday 10.45am - 5pm
Public Holidays 10.00am - 2.00pm
(Closed Christmas day)
More information about the accommodation is available (PDF 80 KB).
Help us improve your child's safety while in hospital
The RCH philosophy of care is family-centred and child focused. This philosophy stresses the importance of respect for children's needs and issues, of care coordination and of partnerships with families. We want to work in partnership with you, as parents, in all aspects of your child's health care.
Who's who
Please speak up if you have any questions or concerns. It can be confusing not knowing who is in charge of your child's health. Don't hesitate to ask "who is who" and in particular, who is in charge.
Please ask as many questions as you need about your child's treatment /management.
Tests, treatments and procedures
It is important to understand why a test, treatment or procedure is needed, whether medications are be given and how they will help your child.
Tests, treatments and procedures can sometimes cause distress, pain or anxiety to children. It is our aim to reduce this as much as possible.
It is our philosophy that holding a child down, or doing a test when a child is distressed is not in the child's best interest. As a parent, you can ask for the test or treatment to be delayed or rescheduled.
Our Comfort Kids program helps staff and parents reduce pain and anxiety before, during and after tests, treatments or procedures.
Patient identification
All children in hospital must have a patient identification bracelet on either their wrist or ankle. This bracelet should have the name of your child and either his/her hospital record number or date of birth.
If your child doesn't have one on, or it has fallen off, please let our nursing staff know so that it can be replaced as soon as possible.
In addition to checking the patient identification bracelet, staff will ask you to state:
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your child's full name
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date of birth
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what you are here for
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which site and which side is involved
These checks must happen before any procedure begins to make sure that the right child gets the right care.
Don't be alarmed by these questions, the staff need to confirm who your child is.
Prevention of infection
Children admitted to hospital could be exposed to infections by the procedures they may have or their illness makes them susceptible to infection. To prevent cross infection, we have many strategies in place, such as appropriate cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation of equipment, specific room placement for children with infections, hand washing (see hand washing in the A-Z section) and general hygiene practices
For further information 9345 5740 or visit the Infection Control website.
Illness of a parent or caregiver
Please discuss with the nursing staff any signs of infection you may have, such as diahorrea, vomiting, temperature, cough, rash etc. especially if your child has been admitted with an infection, or you have picked up an infection from home and if you have had contact with someone who has an infection.
Smart Move Smart Lift
The Royal Children's Hospital supports a patient lifting program that assists staff and families to reduce the back injuries. Here at the Royal Children’s hospital this program is called Smart Move Smart Lift.
The Hospital requires that all lifting risks are identified, and the best method and equipment be used to lift or transfer your child safely. Some of the equipment you may see are, pat slides, slide sheets and lifting hoists.
If you have any questions about how to lift or transfer your child safely whilst in hospital or when you go home, please talk to the nursing staff on the ward
Falls
Falls in children are not uncommon. While in hospital, please remember to use bed or cot sides at all times. If you are unsure of how to use the bed or cot sides please ask the staff to show you.
Supervision
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The hospital is an unfamiliar place for children
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Don't let your children wander around the wards or hospital unsupervised
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Let the staff know when you are leaving the ward
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Always check with staff before taking your child out of the ward
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Ensure visiting children are always supervised
Balloons
Latex (rubber) balloons can cause serious injury, such as:
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Choking
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Eye injuries
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Allergies
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Strangulation
Make sure that your child only receives foil balloons, and ensure that the string is no longer than 30 centimeters, (the length of a ruler)
Hot Liquids
Hot liquids can burn, we ask that you do not leave hot drinks near children, and when carrying hot liquids please use a cup/mug with a lid on.
Spills
Liquid spills on the floor can cause falls, please tell a staff member if you see a spill.
If you see anything that causes you concern about your child's safety, please let one of our staff know
Going home
We try to keep your child's stay in hospital as short as possible. Information will be given to you regarding discharge medications, follow up appointments, and potential problems and what to do if they occur. Once your doctor has decided that your child can go home, it is expected that you will make arrangements to collect your child between 10.00am - 12.00pm.
Discharge information and follow up appointments
When you leave the hospital you may need:
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Specific instructions about your child's ongoing care
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Follow up appointment with the doctor
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Follow up appointments with other health care providers
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Discharge letter
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Referral to a community service
Please ask your child's nurse or doctor about any specific needs before you leave the ward, and for a copy of the discharge summary.
General Practitioners (GP's)
It is important that your child has a regular health care provider in the community, such as a GP. This doctor gets to know your child over time and can provide consistent quality care.
If you have a family GP, please ask our staff to record this on your child's records. We will send the GP a summary of important information about your child's hospital visit and follow up care. You will also get a copy yourself.
If you do not have a GP yet, please ask our staff to help you find one, or visit the Health for Kids Network
Discharge medications
It is important to obtain information about your child's medicines:
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What is the name of the medicine and what is it for?
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How should the medicine be given? How much, how often and for how long?
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What is the chance of side effects? What should we do if they occur?
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How should it be stored?(such as in the fridge)
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Where to get this medicine from and how to get further supplies (if needed)
Your pharmacist, either on the ward or in the pharmacy department, are the best people to ask for this information. Doctors and nurses would also be able to help.