St Leonards hospital visit planner
RNSH emergency access, outpatient clinics, P2 parking, station walk and visitor guide
Royal North Shore Hospital in St Leonards is a major NSW public hospital and tertiary referral centre. This guide is built for patients, carers and visitors who need practical answers before calling, attending Emergency, going to the Ambulatory Care Centre, planning surgery, parking in P2, walking from St Leonards Station, visiting a ward or checking Medicare and private patient choices.
The page brings the useful official details together: address, switchboard, Emergency Department, outpatient clinic areas, visitor map details, parking rules, transport access, visiting hours, pre-admission number, medical imaging, mental health emergency care, paediatric outpatients, patient costs, medical records, retail amenities and official action links.
For a life-threatening emergency in Australia, call 000. Do not wait for an appointment or use an online guide as emergency advice.
Choose pathEmergency, outpatient, surgery, imaging, ward visit or billing
ConfirmReferral, appointment, building, level, Medicare and support needs
TravelSt Leonards Station, Route 114, taxi, P2 or drop-off
Check inMain entry, ACC level 3, ED level 2 or clinic desk
Ask earlyInterpreter, concession parking, records, PLO or ward access
Quick action: address, phone, Emergency, parking and records
Main hospital
Royal North Shore Hospital
Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW 2065
Switchboard: 02 9926 7111
Emergency Department
RNSH Emergency
Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW 2065
Call 000 for life-threatening symptoms.
Best visitor parking
P2 car park
Best for patients, visitors and disabled parking.
Parking Office is in P2.
| Need | Use this contact / action | What to ask or remember |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | Call 000 | Use for chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, major injury, major bleeding, poisoning, collapse, severe allergic reaction or immediate danger. |
| RNSH Emergency Department | Attend Royal North Shore Hospital, Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW 2065 | Emergency patients are assessed by clinical urgency. Do not drive yourself if unsafe. |
| General hospital enquiry | 02 9926 7111 | Ask for the ward, Emergency Department, clinic, Ambulatory Care Centre, Integrated Booking Unit, Medical Imaging, Patient Liaison or Security. |
| Pre-admission / surgery allocation | 02 9463 2430 | Integrated Booking Unit, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Use for surgery allocation date, waitlist position, RFA concerns and interpreter arrangement. |
| Medical records copies | 02 9462 9777 | Fax: 02 9462 9055. Ask what identification, consent or application process is needed. |
| Private patient / billing choice | 02 9463 2264 | Patient Liaison Officers help with private health insurance, self-funded care, reciprocal health care, Medicare-ineligible costs and payment planning. |
| Medical Imaging | 02 9926 4400 | Radiology general enquiries and appointments. Fax referrals: 02 9926 4099. |
| Nuclear Medicine | 02 9926 4440 | Use for Nuclear Medicine enquiries. |
| Mental health emergency access | PECC: 02 9463 2299; Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511 | PECC is on Level 2 and provides short assessment/treatment admission after mental health assessment pathways. |
| Non-urgent health advice | Healthdirect: 1800 022 222 | 24-hour nurse advice line. For life-threatening symptoms, call 000 instead. |
Royal North Shore Hospital map, main entry, P2 and station access
Royal North Shore Hospital is on Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW 2065, close to Pacific Highway, Westbourne Street, Herbert Street and St Leonards Station. The official visitor map shows the main hospital building, Acute Services Building, Clinical Services Building, Kolling Building, Douglas Building, P1, P2, Emergency, main entry, bus stop, taxi rank, train lift and pedestrian entries.
Map shortcuts that save time
- Main entry: shown at the front of the hospital near Reserve Road.
- Emergency: shown on Level 2 area of the hospital/visitor map.
- P2: best parking for patients, visitors and disabled parking.
- Parking Office: located in P2 car park.
- 15-minute drop-off / pick-up: available at Main Entry and Emergency.
- St Leonards Station: close to the hospital with a lift to train access shown on the visitor map.
- Ambulatory Care Centre: Level 3 via main entry.
- Douglas Building: Level 2 Pain Management; Level 3 Carer Centre support service and accommodation.
Useful official PDF details
- Patients and visitors should use P2 car park.
- Concession card holders use P2 car park.
- Meter parking is available in marked areas.
- Disabled parking is available in meter parking areas and multi-storey car parks; display a valid disabled parking permit.
- Bicycle parking is available in P2 and P1.
- Parking fees apply at RNSH and adjacent council areas; check signage for current fees and time limits.
Official NSLHD video: planning your care at RNSH
This Northern Sydney Local Health District video is useful for patients preparing for hospital care and discharge planning at Royal North Shore Hospital.
Choose the right path: Emergency, outpatient, surgery, imaging, ward visit or billing
| User situation | Best next step | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening symptoms or immediate danger | Call 000. | Do not compare parking, wait time or appointment options first. |
| Need urgent but non-life-threatening advice | Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or contact your GP. Attend ED if urgent assessment is needed. | Healthdirect is a 24-hour nurse advice line, but Emergency remains the correct route for serious symptoms. |
| You have a Specialist Clinic or ACC appointment | Check your letter for clinic name, level and building; many services use Ambulatory Care Centre Level 3. | RNSH has multiple buildings and levels. The wrong entry can add walking time. |
| You are preparing for planned surgery | Call Integrated Booking Unit on 02 9463 2430 if you need allocation, waitlist or RFA information. | Missing pre-admission can delay surgery. |
| You need scans or imaging | Contact Medical Imaging on 02 9926 4400 or Nuclear Medicine on 02 9926 4440. | Imaging location and preparation can vary by modality. |
| You are visiting a patient | Use general visiting hours, then confirm the ward via switchboard. | General wards, paediatrics and mental health have different visiting patterns. |
| You are private, overseas, self-funded or non-Medicare | Call Patient Liaison Officers on 02 9463 2264 before or during admission. | Costs and paperwork can differ by Medicare, insurance, reciprocal health care, refugee/asylum seeker or claim status. |
Hospital profile: what Royal North Shore Hospital is known for
Local role
Royal North Shore Hospital meets health needs for communities including Mosman, Willoughby, Lane Cove and North Sydney local government areas.
Tertiary and statewide role
RNSH is a principal tertiary referral centre and NSW Trauma Centre. State-wide services include severe burns injury, spinal cord injury, neonatal intensive care and interventional neuroradiology.
| Care area | Practical patient meaning | Best access pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency and trauma | Urgent adult and serious injury care, including NSW trauma pathways. | Call 000 for life-threatening emergencies or attend ED when urgent assessment is needed. |
| Severe burns injury | Statewide specialist burns care is part of RNSH’s role. | Emergency/ambulance and specialist referral pathways. |
| Spinal cord injury | Specialist spinal cord injury care is listed as a statewide service. | Referral/transfer pathways arranged by treating doctors. |
| Neonatal intensive care | Specialist neonatal intensive care is listed among statewide services. | Maternity/neonatal team and hospital transfer pathways. |
| Interventional neuroradiology | Highly specialised imaging-guided neurovascular procedures. | Specialist referral or emergency stroke/neuro pathway. |
| Outpatient specialist services | Medical, surgical, allied health, pre/post-surgical appointments, day procedures and investigations. | Referral and appointment through outpatient/ACC pathways. |
Emergency Department and urgent health contacts
Call 000 immediately for chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe breathing difficulty, major trauma, major bleeding, collapse, poisoning, severe allergic reaction, severe mental health emergency or any life-threatening condition.
| RNSH Emergency address | Royal North Shore Hospital, Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW 2065. |
|---|---|
| District ED list | Northern Sydney Local Health District lists Royal North Shore Hospital, Hornsby Hospital and Ryde Hospital as district Emergency Departments. |
| Non-urgent advice | Healthdirect Australia: 1800 022 222, 24-hour hotline staffed by registered nurses. |
| After-hours home doctor services | National Home Doctor Service: 13 74 25. Home GP Service: 1300 466 347. |
| Poison information | NSW Poisons Information Centre: 13 11 26. |
| Mental health urgent help | Mental Health Telephone Access Line: 1800 011 511. |
| Lifeline | 13 11 14. |
| Kids Helpline | 1800 551 800. |
What to bring to Emergency if safe and practical
- Medicare card, DVA card, concession card or private health insurance details if relevant.
- Passport, visa, travel insurance or reciprocal health documents if you are not a Medicare card holder.
- Medication list and actual medicines if easy to bring.
- Allergy information and adverse reaction history.
- Recent scans, discharge summaries, test results or GP/specialist letters.
- Workers Compensation, motor accident or public liability claim details if relevant.
- Phone charger, glasses, hearing aids, mobility aid and communication support item if needed.
Outpatient appointments, Ambulatory Care Centre and referral pathway
Main outpatient area: the Ambulatory Care Centre is on Level 3 of the Acute Services Building. It provides outpatient medical and allied health services, including pre- and post-surgical appointments, specialist medical/surgical appointments, some day procedures and investigations.
Outpatient services listed by RNSH
| Clinic / service group | Official location clue | What to confirm before travel |
|---|---|---|
| Ambulatory Care Centre | Level 3, Acute Services Building. | Clinic name, arrival time, referral status and whether tests are needed before seeing the doctor. |
| Medical and surgical specialist appointments | ACC / hospital specialty areas. | Whether your appointment is outpatient review, pre-surgical, post-surgical, day procedure or investigation. |
| Northern Sydney Cancer Centre | Listed as an outpatient service link from the RNSH outpatient page. | Treatment unit, appointment time, blood test or imaging requirements. |
| Nephrology Clinics / Acute Dialysis Unit | Listed from RNSH outpatient services; visitor map shows Acute Dialysis Unit on 6A and kidney-related clinics in ACC. | Dialysis timing, access point, transport and clinic desk. |
| Respiratory Investigation Unit | Listed from RNSH outpatient services; visitor map shows Respiratory Function Labs on Level 8. | Test preparation, inhaler instructions and appointment duration. |
| Sleep Investigation Unit | Listed from RNSH outpatient services; visitor map shows Sleep Lab on Level 8. | Overnight/day test instructions and what to bring. |
| Gynaecology and Maternity Services Outpatients | Clinical Services Building / maternity areas are listed on visitor map. | Clinic location, partner/support person rules and pregnancy-related urgent symptoms. |
| Paediatric Outpatients | Level 7, Clinical Service Building. | Referral, blood/test results, current medications and whether child is under 16 and within NSLHD eligibility. |
| Burns Clinic | Burns Ward & Clinics shown in Clinical Services Building on visitor map. | Dressing instructions, referral route and whether urgent burns should use Emergency. |
Micro guide: how outpatient referral and appointment checks work
- Ask your GP or specialist what clinic they are referring you to. Some NSLHD referrals can be sent through eReferral, a secure digital system that replaced fax/mail methods for many outpatient clinic referrals.
- Make sure the referral contains enough detail. Include the problem, urgency, relevant test results, imaging, medications, contact details and interpreter needs.
- Wait for triage and appointment communication. Outpatient clinics are usually clinically triaged, so urgent problems should be managed through GP/Emergency pathways rather than waiting silently.
- Use your appointment letter first. It should tell you the date, time, building, level and clinic desk.
- Call the hospital switchboard if the letter is unclear. Ask to be connected to the specific clinic or Ambulatory Care Centre.
- Bring paperwork and medication details. Bring referral, Medicare card, test results, imaging, medication list and any clinic-specific documents.
Internal floor-plan guide: where common RNSH services are listed
The official visitor map includes a service directory and floor-plan notes. Use this table for orientation only; your appointment letter or ward staff instruction is always the priority.
| Service / area | Official map level / area | Useful patient note |
|---|---|---|
| Main entry | Level 3 | Good first stop for general wayfinding and information desk help. |
| Admissions | Level 4 | Useful for booked admission / day-of-surgery pathways. |
| Emergency Department | Level 2 | Use for urgent presentations; call 000 for life-threatening emergencies. |
| Ambulatory Care Centre | Level 3 | Main outpatient hub for many medical, surgical and allied health appointments. |
| Integrated Booking Unit | Level 4 | Processes elective surgery recommendation for admission paperwork. |
| Pre-admission Clinic | Level 3 | Assessment before surgery; missing it can delay surgery. |
| Medical Imaging – Main | Level 2 | Main imaging department; X-ray-only outpatients may use co-located x-ray in ACC Level 3. |
| Medical Imaging ACC | Level 3 | Useful for imaging linked with ambulatory clinics. |
| Nuclear Medicine | Level 2 | Contact Nuclear Medicine for appointment-specific instructions. |
| Pathology Collection | Level 3 | Useful before or after clinic if bloods are needed. |
| Pharmacy – Main | Level 1 | Discharge or main medication support. |
| Pharmacy | Level 3 | Additional pharmacy location shown on visitor map. |
| Patient Enquiries | Level 3 | Ask here for patient location/visitor questions when permitted. |
| Patient Representative | Level 3 | Feedback, concern and patient support contact point. |
| Security | Level 3 | General security help. |
| Security after hours | Level 2 | After-hours assistance point. |
| Transit Lounge | Level 2 | Discharge/transfer waiting area. |
| Intensive Care | Level 6 | Confirm ICU visitor rules with ICU staff. |
| Cardiology Department | Level 4 | Cardiology services and related outpatient/inpatient pathways. |
| Cardiac Cath Labs | Level 4 | Cardiac procedure area. |
| Endoscopy | Level 4 | Follow fasting/preparation instructions exactly. |
| Interventional Procedure Centre | Level 4 | Procedure pathway; check admission and escort requirements. |
| Short Stay Surgical | Level 4 | Short surgical admission/recovery area. |
| Respiratory Function Labs | Level 8 | Check inhaler/test preparation instructions before attending. |
| Sleep Lab | Level 8 | Confirm overnight/day test instructions. |
| Dermatology ACC | Level 3 | Common specialist clinic pathway. |
| Diabetes Assessment & Education | Level 3 | Bring medication and blood glucose records if requested. |
| Endocrinology ACC | Level 3 | Specialist outpatient clinic area. |
| Chest & TB Clinic ACC | Level 3 | Follow infection control / appointment instructions carefully. |
| Hand Unit ACC | Level 3 | Bring referral and imaging if requested. |
| Hypertension & Kidney Function Centre ACC | Level 3 | Bring medication list and blood pressure information if requested. |
| PECC | Level 2 | Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre; access follows assessment/referral pathways. |
| Sexual Assault | Level 2 | Specialist support area listed on map. |
| Paediatric Ward / Children & Adolescent Ward | Clinical Services Building | Parents are welcome at any time on children’s ward/paediatrics. |
| Neonatal ICU | Clinical Services Building | Specialist neonatal intensive care; follow ward rules. |
| Maternity Ward / Birthing Suites | Clinical Services Building | Confirm maternity access and urgent pregnancy symptoms with maternity team or ED/000 if severe. |
| Burns Ward & Clinics | Clinical Services Building | Specialist burns service; urgent burns should use emergency pathways. |
Pre-admission, planned surgery and Integrated Booking Unit
Integrated Booking Unit
- Phone: 02 9463 2430.
- Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
- Responsible for processing Recommendation for Admission paperwork for elective surgery at RNSH.
- Works with admissions, Patient Liaison Officers, operating theatres, Pre-admission Clinic and Short Stay Surgical Unit.
- Call for surgery allocation date, elective surgery waitlist place or concerns with RFA paperwork.
Pre-admission appointment
- You may see an anaesthetist, doctor, nurse and pharmacist.
- This appointment checks whether you are fit enough for intended surgery.
- Fasting is not required for the pre-admission appointment.
- You may be at the appointment for up to five hours.
- If walking is difficult, bring lunch rather than relying only on cafeteria access.
- Failure to attend may delay your surgery.
What to bring to pre-admission
| Bring this | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| All medications, including diabetic medications | RNSH asks patients to bring the actual medications, not only a written list. |
| Medicare card | Needed for public patient / Medicare details. |
| Pension, health care and private health cards | Useful for billing, concessions and private insurance discussion. |
| Recent X-rays and scans relevant to surgery | Helps clinicians assess and plan surgery. |
| Any cardiac / heart specialist reports in the last two years | Important for anaesthetic and surgical risk assessment. |
| Any other surgery-related documents | Bring anything your surgeon, GP or booking team asked for. |
| Interpreter need | Call 02 9463 2430 to arrange interpreter support if English is not your first language. |
Surgery preparation rule: fasting, medication changes and arrival times vary by procedure. Follow instructions from the Integrated Booking Unit, surgeon, anaesthetist or hospital letter, not general website text.
RNSH parking: P2, drop-off, disabled parking, concessions and local tips
| Best patient/visitor parking | P2 car park is listed on the official visitor map as best for patients, visitors and disabled parking. |
|---|---|
| Parking Office | Located in P2 car park. |
| Drop-off / pick-up | 15-minute drop-off and pick-up parking is available at the Main Entry and Emergency. |
| Concession card holders | Use P2 car park. Ask the Parking Office or Information Desk how to access concession rates before leaving. |
| Meter parking | Available in marked areas. Check signs for fees and time limits. |
| Disabled parking | Available in all meter parking areas and multi-storey car parks. Display a valid disabled parking permit when using a disabled bay. |
| Bicycle parking | Available in P2 and P1. |
| Wilson Parking phone on visitor map | 02 9438 1976 |
| Public transport phone on visitor map | 131 500 |
Concession parking eligibility listed by RNSH
- Patients and patient carers attending treatment more than twice per week.
- Patients attending ongoing cancer treatment.
- Patients attending daily outpatient treatment.
- Centrelink beneficiaries.
Local parking tip: go to P2 first if you are a patient, visitor, concession card holder or need disabled parking. Use drop-off bays only for quick pick-up/drop-off; they are not long-stay parking. If your appointment may take several hours, ask early about concessions rather than waiting until exit.
Public transport: St Leonards Station, Route 114, buses, taxi and walking
| Transport option | Official / practical detail | User tip |
|---|---|---|
| Train: St Leonards Station | RNSH is close to St Leonards Station. The main hospital page says about a 5-minute walk; the transport access guide says about 10 minutes. | Allow 5-10 minutes depending on walking speed, mobility aids, lift use and destination inside the hospital. |
| Train: station accessibility | The transport access guide lists St Leonards Station as wheelchair accessible. | Use station lift access if needed. |
| Crows Nest Station | RNSH transport page says Crows Nest Station is about a 10-minute walk. | Check current walking route and lifts/escalators before travelling. |
| Bus Route 114 | The closest bus stop is on Reserve Road near the main entrance and is serviced by Route 114 only. | Good option if your route connects to 114. |
| Other bus routes | Buses from Epping, North Shore, Ryde and Sydney city regularly stop on Pacific Highway, about a 2-minute walk from the hospital. | Use Transport NSW for current routes and disruptions. |
| Bus stops at St Leonards | Pacific Highway bus stops near St Leonards Station are available for other routes. | Check platform/stop details before travel. |
| Taxi | Taxi rank is located on Reserve Road. | Ask to be dropped at the exact entry: Main Entry, Emergency, Douglas Building, Clinical Services Building or another clinic location. |
| Trip planning | Use transportnsw.info or call 131 500 for up-to-date timetables and maps. | Check before travel because timetables and station access can change. |
| Tickets and payments | Opal card can be used, and contactless credit/debit card or linked device can also be used for tap on/off. | Keep enough time for transfers if you use train + bus. |
| Artarmon Loop | The transport access guide lists the Artarmon Loop as a free shuttle between St Leonards and Artarmon, Monday to Friday. | Search “Artarmon Loop” online for current service information before relying on it. |
Visiting hours, paediatrics, mental health and visitor etiquette
| General visiting hours | 10:00am to 1:00pm and 3:00pm to 8:00pm. |
|---|---|
| Rest period | All wards have a rest period between 1:00pm and 3:00pm daily. Visiting during this time is not permitted in the majority of wards. |
| Ward-specific variation | Visiting times on some wards may vary. Contact the ward via switchboard on 02 9926 7111. |
| Outside general visiting hours | Discuss with the Nursing Unit Manager of the ward. |
| Children’s ward / paediatrics | Strict visiting hours are not enforced. Parents are welcome at any time. |
| Mental health inpatient unit | Weekdays: 12:00pm-1:00pm and 4:00pm-8:00pm. Weekends: 10:00am-8:00pm. |
| PECC visiting | Monday to Sunday: 10:00am-2:00pm and 4:00pm-8:00pm. |
| Do not visit if unwell | Stay home if you are unwell. Wash hands regularly and follow mask instructions if required. |
Visitor tip: call the ward before travelling if the patient is in ICU, mental health, paediatrics, maternity, neonatal ICU, burns, post-surgery recovery or isolation.
Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine: contacts, hours and what to bring
| Imaging item | Official detail | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Main Medical Imaging location | Level 2, Acute Services Building, Royal North Shore Hospital, Reserve Road, St Leonards. | Use the Orange Lift behind the large glass Aboriginal mural if attending the main department. |
| Radiology enquiries / appointments | 02 9926 4400 | Call for general enquiries or appointments. |
| Radiology referrals fax | 02 9926 4099 | Ask your referrer to send the correct request form. |
| Nuclear Medicine enquiries | 02 9926 4440 | Ask about preparation and arrival time. |
| General enquiry hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm. | Call during business hours for routine enquiries. |
| Ultrasound hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm. | Confirm if fasting or hydration instructions apply. |
| MRI hours | Monday to Friday, 6:30am-7:00pm. | Tell staff about implants, pacemakers, metal fragments or claustrophobia. |
| Nuclear Medicine hours | Monday to Friday, 7:30am-5:00pm. | Ask about tracer timing, food/drink rules and post-scan precautions. |
| Services listed | Digital X-ray, digital fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, MRI, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and PET. | Different modalities need different instructions; do not assume one scan’s preparation applies to another. |
| Interventional radiology examples | Joint and spine injections, biopsies, drainages, central venous access and Digital Subtraction Angiography. | You may need an escort and someone to stay overnight after some procedures. |
| Image copy cost | Diagnostic images can be provided on USB for $10, or sent electronically at no cost. | Contact reception to arrange image copies. |
Bring to imaging appointments
- Medicare or DVA card.
- Original request form from your referrer, even if a copy was already faxed or emailed.
- Prior imaging performed elsewhere.
- Recent blood test results if having CT or MRI.
- Current medication list and enough medication supply for the day.
- An escort if you are having a procedure and were told not to travel home alone.
Selected RNSH service contacts patients often need
| Service | Contact / location | What it does / when to use |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre | Level 2, RNSH. Phone: 02 9463 2299. Operational 24/7. | Assessment and treatment for consumers experiencing mental health problems requiring brief admission for up to 48 hours. Referrals can follow ED, Community Mental Health Centre or transfer pathways. |
| Mental Health Telephone Access Line | 1800 011 511 | 24/7 NSW mental health referral and crisis pathway. |
| Paediatric Outpatients | Level 7, Clinical Service Building. Phone: 02 9463 2164. Fax: 02 9463 1015. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. | Specialty medical treatment by paediatrician for children and young people under 16. Referral required; bring blood results, test results, medication list and referral. |
| Early Pregnancy Assessment Service | Phone: 02 9463 2350. Monday-Friday 8:00am-2:00pm, excluding public holidays. By appointment only. | Nurse/midwife-led clinic supported by medical team for vaginal bleeding and/or lower abdominal pain under 20 weeks pregnancy. Heavy bleeding or severe lower abdominal pain: go to ED or call 000. |
| Osteoporosis Re-Fracture Prevention Clinic | Referral from GP or other specialist required. | For eligible patients aged 50+ or post-menopausal if younger, with minimal trauma low-impact fracture and no known metastatic/myeloma pathological fracture. GP referral must be sent by email or eReferral; fax not accepted. |
| Medical Imaging | Level 2 Acute Services Building. Phone: 02 9926 4400. | X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, interventional radiology, PET and related imaging services. |
| Nuclear Medicine | Phone: 02 9926 4440. | Nuclear medicine and PET-related appointment enquiries. |
| Medical records copies | Phone: 02 9462 9777. Fax: 02 9462 9055. | Use for copies of medical records and document access questions. |
Medicare, private patients, reciprocal care and non-Medicare costs
Public patient with Medicare
- You must present your Medicare card.
- You are treated by a hospital-nominated team of doctors.
- You are not charged personally for medical or hospital services, except for hire of some equipment.
- There is no guarantee your procedure will be performed by the doctor of your choice.
Private patient with health insurance
- Medicare card holders with private health insurance may elect public or private treatment.
- Private patient benefits may include ability to choose doctor.
- Private health insurance excess may be waived.
- Follow-up care may be in doctors’ private rooms.
- Single room access may be possible if available and covered, but clinical need has priority.
- RNSH says hospital accounts are lodged with Medicare and health fund on your behalf.
Cost and billing pathways
| Patient type | Official detail | Action before or during admission |
|---|---|---|
| Private patient enquiries | Patient Liaison Officers: 02 9463 2264. Fax: 02 9463 2079. | Ask about insurance cover, excess, single room, doctor choice, follow-up and gap/cost risk. |
| Self-insured private patient with Medicare and no private health fund | May be responsible for accommodation, diagnostics, prostheses, consumables and doctors’ fees. | Contact Patient Liaison Office before deciding this pathway. |
| Listed NSW Health accommodation fees | General shared ward: $436 per day. Single room: $928 per day. Listed as current at July 2024 and subject to annual fee increase. | Confirm current fees because charges can increase annually. |
| Workers Compensation | Costs are covered by insurer if admitted under workers compensation. | Bring claim number and insurance details. |
| Motor vehicle accident claim | Bring relevant State Insurance Regulatory Authority documentation. | Print and bring claim-related forms and insurer details. |
| Public liability / compensation claim | Bring solicitor contact details if admitted under claim. | Tell admissions early so the correct billing pathway is used. |
| Mesothelioma claim | Bring Letter of Approval from Dust Diseases Board. | Provide documentation at admission. |
| Reciprocal health care agreement | May allow free or subsidised medically necessary care for eligible residents of certain countries. | Bring current passport or Reciprocal Health Care Card. Medicare enquiries: 13 20 11. |
| Medicare-ineligible patient | You are required to cover treatment costs if you do not hold valid Medicare, are not covered by reciprocal agreement and do not have valid insurance. | Bring passport, visa, local/overseas address and phone, email and insurance details. |
| Overseas visitor presenting to ED | May be charged for medical consultation and additional services if admitted, such as surgeon, anaesthetist, prosthetics, accommodation, physiotherapy, nursing, pathology, diagnostic tests and equipment. | Ask for estimate, guarantee/payment options and insurance documentation requirements. |
| Refugees and asylum seekers | RNSH says refugees and asylum seekers are eligible for free treatment subject to condition and supporting documentation. | Bring documentation confirming status from Department of Immigration and Citizenship or recognised asylum support agency such as Red Cross or ASAS. |
Reciprocal Health Care Agreement countries listed by RNSH
Eligibility depends on the agreement and medically necessary treatment at admission. Bring passport or Reciprocal Health Care Card.
- Belgium
- Finland
- Ireland, Republic of
- Italy
- Malta
- The Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey
Fee safety: do not rely on old third-party fee lists. Call Patient Liaison Officers before admission if you are private, self-funded, overseas, non-Medicare, reciprocal-care, refugee/asylum seeker or using a compensation claim.
Facilities, amenities, retail services and food options
| Facility / retail service | Official visitor map detail | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Guest Wi-Fi | RNSH lists Guest Wi-Fi as an amenity. | Useful for family contact, portal access, telehealth or waiting times. |
| Wheelchair access | RNSH lists wheelchair access as an amenity. | Ask the Information Desk for the easiest entry/lift route. |
| Zouki Café | Visitor map lists Zouki café and free Wi-Fi. | Food/coffee option inside the hospital. |
| Convenience Store | Newspapers, magazines, books, foods, keys, shoe repairs, dry cleaning and gifts. | Useful for patients, carers and visitors during longer stays. |
| Aunty Poppy’s Flowers | Phone: 9460 8401; hospital extension 50029. | Flower/gift option, but check ward restrictions before bringing flowers. |
| The Green Shop | Organic food, coffee and snacks. | Alternative food option. |
| Australia Post | Phone: 9436 4875. Postal and banking services. | Useful for forms, postage and basic banking tasks. |
| RNSH Pharmacy | Phone: 9460 9996. Diabetes Australia agent. | Pharmacy and diabetes-related support. |
| Intensive Hair & Beauty | Phone: 8090 3583 or hospital extension 50030. | Patient/visitor convenience service. |
| Independent Living Specialists | Phone: 9436 4440. | Mobility/assistive equipment support. |
| ATM | Listed on visitor map. | Useful if cash is required for small purchases. |
| Volunteer shops | Listed on visitor map. | Small purchases and visitor support. |
| Cafés | Visitor map lists cafés in Community Health Centre, Emergency Department and Clinical Services Building. | Useful when clinic or ED wait is long. |
Ward item tip: before bringing flowers, food or gifts, call the ward. ICU, burns, maternity, neonatal, infection-control and surgical wards may have restrictions.
Medical records, feedback, complaints and practical escalation
Copies of medical records
- Phone: 02 9462 9777.
- Fax: 02 9462 9055.
- Ask what identification, consent, form and processing time applies.
- If requesting another person’s record, ask about consent/authority requirements.
Feedback, compliments and complaints
- Start with the ward, clinic or treating team if safe and practical.
- For formal feedback, use the NSLHD consumer feedback pathway linked from RNSH general enquiries.
- Record date, time, ward/clinic, staff role and what outcome you are asking for.
- For urgent safety deterioration, speak to the nurse/doctor immediately rather than waiting for a feedback form.
Call script: what to ask before visiting RNSH
Appointments and surgery
- “Which building, level and clinic desk should I use?”
- “Is this appointment in the Ambulatory Care Centre?”
- “Do I need a current GP or specialist referral?”
- “Do I need blood tests, imaging or reports before the appointment?”
- “Is the appointment face-to-face, phone or telehealth?”
- “Could my surgery be delayed if I miss pre-admission?”
Travel, cost and access
- “Should I use P2, drop-off, taxi or St Leonards Station?”
- “Am I eligible for concession parking?”
- “Can an interpreter be arranged?”
- “Is there any cost if I am private, overseas or not on Medicare?”
- “Can I bring a support person or carer?”
- “What are the current ward visiting rules?”
Official Royal North Shore Hospital links for actions and latest checks
Use these links to perform an action, open the official map/PDF or confirm the latest version. The core practical details from these official sources have already been summarised above.
| User need | Official link |
|---|---|
| Main hospital page | Royal North Shore Hospital official page |
| Address, phone and general enquiries | RNSH general enquiries |
| Emergency information | NSLHD Emergency information |
| Getting here | Getting to Royal North Shore Hospital |
| Transport access guide PDF | RNSH Transport Access Guide PDF |
| Parking information | Where to park at RNSH |
| Visitor parking map PDF | RNSH Visitor Parking Map PDF |
| Hospital map | RNSH hospital map |
| Visiting hours | RNSH visiting information |
| Outpatient services | RNSH outpatient services |
| Electronic referrals | NSLHD eReferrals |
| Pre-admission information | RNSH pre-admission information |
| Patient choices, Medicare, private and non-Medicare | Your choices as a patient |
| Medical Imaging | Medical Imaging – RNSH |
| Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre | PECC – RNSH |
| Paediatric Outpatients | Paediatric Outpatients – RNSH |
| Early Pregnancy Assessment Service | Early Pregnancy Assessment Service – RNSH |
| NSLHD YouTube channel | Northern Sydney Local Health District YouTube |
Royal North Shore Hospital FAQs
What is the address of Royal North Shore Hospital?
Royal North Shore Hospital is located on Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW 2065, Australia.
What is the main phone number for Royal North Shore Hospital?
The main Royal North Shore Hospital switchboard phone number is 02 9926 7111.
Does Royal North Shore Hospital have an Emergency Department?
Yes. Royal North Shore Hospital has an Emergency Department at Reserve Road, St Leonards NSW 2065. For life-threatening emergencies, call 000.
Where should patients and visitors park at RNSH?
The official visitor map says patients and visitors should use P2 car park. P2 is listed as best for patient, visitor and disabled parking, and the Parking Office is in P2.
Is there drop-off parking at Royal North Shore Hospital?
Yes. The official visitor map says 15-minute drop-off and pick-up parking is available at the Main Entry and Emergency.
How close is Royal North Shore Hospital to St Leonards Station?
RNSH is close to St Leonards Station. Official material describes it as about a 5 to 10 minute walk depending on route, destination and walking speed.
What are Royal North Shore Hospital visiting hours?
General visiting hours are 10:00am to 1:00pm and 3:00pm to 8:00pm. Most wards have a rest period from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Some wards have different visiting times.
How do I contact RNSH Pre-admission or Integrated Booking Unit?
Call the Integrated Booking Unit on 02 9463 2430, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, for pre-admission, surgery allocation, waitlist or RFA questions.
How do I contact Medical Imaging at Royal North Shore Hospital?
For RNSH Medical Imaging general enquiries or appointments, call 02 9926 4400. For Nuclear Medicine enquiries, call 02 9926 4440.
Do public patients with Medicare pay for RNSH hospital services?
RNSH says public patients must present a Medicare card and are not charged personally for medical or hospital services, except for hire of some equipment.
Source and update note
This guide is based on official Northern Sydney Local Health District and NSW Health pages and PDFs for Royal North Shore Hospital contact details, Emergency information, transport access, parking, visitor map, outpatient services, pre-admission, patient choices, visiting information, Medical Imaging, PECC, Paediatric Outpatients and related patient support details.
Hospital contacts, clinic locations, transport access, parking fees, visitor rules, referral rules, service availability and patient cost information can change. Confirm urgent, appointment-specific or patient-specific details directly with Royal North Shore Hospital before travelling or making care decisions.
This page is an informational hospital guide only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.