Upper North Shore hospital visit planner
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital emergency, outpatient, parking, map and surgery guide
Hornsby Hospital is officially Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, a major metropolitan teaching hospital on Palmerston Road in Hornsby. This guide is built for patients, carers and visitors who need the right contact, entrance, car park, clinic building, referral step or ward information before they travel.
Use this page to quickly find the official switchboard, Emergency access, outpatient services, Building 60 clinics, STAR Building surgery pathway, Preadmission Clinic, parking fees, concession parking validation points, 575 bus route, Hornsby and Waitara station walking notes, visiting hours, mental health access, Medical Imaging, Day Medical Unit and medical records contact.
For a life-threatening emergency in Australia, call 000. Do not wait for an outpatient appointment or use an online guide as emergency advice.
CallSwitchboard, 000, clinic, imaging, day surgery or records
Choose gateEmergency, Main Entrance, STAR Entrance or Gate 2 car park
Travel575 bus, Hornsby Station, Waitara Station, taxi or car park
Check inBuilding 60, STAR, Emergency, Medical Imaging or ward
Ask earlyInterpreter, concession parking, surgery instructions or records
Quick contact: address, phone, Emergency, appointments and parking
Main hospital
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital
Palmerston Road, Hornsby NSW 2077
Switchboard: (02) 9477 9123
Open 24 hours
Emergency Department
Emergency entrance
Turn onto Palmerston Road from Edgeworth David Avenue. The Emergency entrance is just after the Burdett Street intersection on the right.
Life-threatening emergency: 000
Main visitor parking
Multi-storey car park
At Gate 2 on Palmerston Road.
About 500 spaces; maximum daily fee listed as $24.70.
| Need | Use this action or contact | What to ask / remember |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | Call 000 | Use for chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, major injury, major bleeding, poisoning or severe allergic reaction. |
| Hospital switchboard | (02) 9477 9123 | Ask for the ward, Emergency Department, Outpatients, Medical Imaging, Preadmission Clinic, Day Surgery, Mental Health Unit or records. |
| Feedback, complaint or suggestion | (02) 9485 6362 | Patient Representative Officer can discuss concerns and keep you informed about the complaint process and outcome. |
| Outpatient services | Switchboard: (02) 9477 9123 | Hornsby has medical, allied health and nursing outpatient services. Eligibility, referral and contact rules vary by clinic. |
| Preadmission Clinic | (02) 9485 6348 | Level 2, STAR Building. Monday to Friday, 12:00pm to 4:30pm. |
| Day surgery call not received | (02) 9485 6440 | For surgery admission calls, call only after 4:00pm and up to 7:00pm if the nurse has not called with fasting and arrival instructions. |
| Unwell before surgery | (02) 9485 6346 | Call Perioperative Unit if you feel ill or have a cold. Joint replacement patients should call quickly for scratches, cuts, blisters or open wounds. |
| Medical Imaging appointments | (02) 9485 6533 | For X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound and Nuclear Medicine general enquiries and appointments. |
| Day Medical Unit | (02) 9485 6777 | Outpatients Department, Level 1, Building 60. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. |
| Health records / clinical information | (02) 9485 6120 | Health Information Services, Level 1, STAR Building. Use for medical record access questions. |
| Interpreter by phone | 131 450 | Call TIS, say your language in English, then give the interpreter the hospital service name and phone number. TIS is free and available 24/7. |
Hornsby Hospital map, gates, entrances and campus shortcuts
Use Palmerston Road, Hornsby NSW 2077 for the hospital campus. The official visitor map shows the Emergency Entrance, Main Entrance, STAR Entrance, Gate 2 multi-storey parking, Building 60 clinical services, Hope Building, STAR Building, Mental Health Centre, PECC, Medical Imaging, Multi-Faith Room, Transit Unit, Medical Records, Pharmacy, Outpatients, Rehab and wards.
Best entrance by purpose
- Emergency: Emergency entrance near Hope Building, after Burdett Street intersection when coming from Edgeworth David Avenue.
- Main hospital / wards: Main Entrance at the Clinical Services Building / Building 60 area.
- STAR Admissions / Day Surgery: STAR Entrance, near Gate 9 and the corner of Burdett Street and Derby Road.
- Parking: Multi-storey car park at Gate 2, Palmerston Road.
- Mental Health Centre: easiest access is from Gate 3 Palmerston Road; adult mental health inpatient unit is on the ground floor of Building 52.
Official map shortcuts
- Building 60: ICU, Pharmacy, Outpatients, Rehab and wards.
- Building 56 / STAR Building: STAR Admissions, Day Surgery and Medical Records.
- Building 61: Dialysis and chemotherapy.
- Building 50 / Hope Building: Emergency entrance, PECC and maternity shown on map.
- Building 14: GP Unit, podiatry and diabetes education area.
- Other map features: chapel, dental, BreastScreen NSW, Transit Unit, Multi-Faith Room, Yarning Circle and visitor facilities.
Map tip: Hornsby Hospital is a large campus. Tell taxis, rideshare drivers and family pick-up exactly which gate or building you need, not just “Hornsby Hospital”.
Choose the right pathway: Emergency, outpatient, surgery, imaging, mental health or records
| Your situation | Best next step | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening symptoms or immediate danger | Call 000. | Do not drive yourself or wait for a clinic appointment if symptoms are severe. |
| You need urgent mental health support | Call Mental Health Line 1800 011 511, call 000 if life is at risk, or attend Emergency for 24-hour specialist mental health care. | Hornsby has adult mental health inpatient units, MHICU and adolescent inpatient pathways, but access is through ED or community mental health referral routes. |
| You need a specialist outpatient appointment | Call switchboard and ask for the relevant clinic, or use the referral/contact rule on the official clinic page. | Clinic location and referral requirements differ by service. |
| You are coming for surgery | Follow the Day Surgery / STAR Building instructions from the hospital and your doctor. | Fasting, arrival time, medication instructions and adult escort rules are safety-critical. |
| You need scans or imaging | Call Medical Imaging on 02 9485 6533. | Imaging preparation changes by scan type. MRI outpatient services may have out-of-pocket fees because the service does not hold a Medicare licence at this time. |
| You need a short medical treatment without admission | Ask whether the Day Medical Unit is the correct pathway. | DMU requires referral by a specialist doctor with admitting rights at Hornsby Hospital. |
| You need records | Contact Health Information Services on 02 9485 6120. | Applications need identity/supporting documentation, and processing aims can depend on a valid application and fee. |
Emergency Department and urgent mental health access
Call 000 immediately for chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe breathing trouble, major injury, serious bleeding, collapse, poisoning, severe allergic reaction or immediate danger.
| Emergency entrance | On Palmerston Road after the Burdett Street intersection on the right when approaching from Edgeworth David Avenue. |
|---|---|
| Hospital open status | The official hospital page lists Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital as open 24 hours. |
| Mental health emergency route | Attend the Emergency Department for 24-hour access to specialist mental health care and support, or call Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. |
| Adult mental health inpatient units | Hornsby has Adult Inpatient Unit and Mental Health Intensive Care Inpatient Unit for adults aged 18 and over requiring inpatient support. |
| Adolescent inpatient unit | Brolga Unit is for young people aged 12 to 17 experiencing a serious episode of mental illness requiring inpatient support. |
| Mental health visitor safety | Call the unit before visiting; belongings may be searched, and items such as cigarette lighters, weapons, handbags, backpacks and mobile phones may not be allowed into the unit. |
Emergency checklist before leaving home, only if safe
- Medicare card, DVA card, concession card or private health insurance card if available.
- Medication list and actual medicines if easy to bring.
- Allergy details and relevant medical history.
- Recent scans, test results or discharge summaries if relevant.
- Phone charger, glasses, hearing aids, mobility aid and communication support items.
- Do not delay urgent care to collect paperwork.
Outpatient appointments, Building 60 clinics and referral checks
Outpatient rule: Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital has medical, allied health and nursing outpatient services. Referral rules, eligibility and contact details differ by clinic, so use your appointment letter and the relevant official clinic page.
Outpatient services by building
| Building | Officially listed services | What to confirm before travel |
|---|---|---|
| Building 60 | Aged Care Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic, Amputee Clinic, Bone & Balance falls clinic, Cardiac Investigations, Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, Day Medical Unit, DEXA, ENT, Geriatric Telehealth, Healthy Kids, Heart Failure, Memory Clinic, Neuropsychology, Neurophysiology, Osteoarthritis Chronic Care, Occupational Therapy, Orthopaedic Fracture Clinic, Osteoporosis Re-fracture Prevention, Paediatric Acute Review, Paediatric Surgical/Urology, Paediatric Medical Outpatients, Paediatrics HITH, Parkinson’s, Physiotherapy, Psychogeriatrics, Spasticity, Speech Pathology, Stomal Therapy, Surgical Follow-up, TB Chest and Urology. | Clinic name, referral requirement, exact level/desk, appointment time, whether tests or imaging are needed first. |
| Building 61 | Renal Dialysis; Chemotherapy Unit and Haematology Services. | Ask about treatment schedule, infection-control rules, parking concession and transport needs. |
| Building 14 | Diabetes Education, Nutrition and Dietetics, Podiatry / High Risk Foot Service and GP Unit. | Bring medication list, blood glucose records, footwear or diet notes if relevant. |
| Building 50 | Maternity / Antenatal / pre-natal clinic; Gynaecology / Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic. | Ask about urgent pregnancy symptoms, ultrasound/pathology requirements and support person rules. |
| Building 56 | Pre-Admission Clinic and Day Surgery Unit. | Follow surgical booking, fasting and escort instructions exactly. |
Micro steps for an outpatient appointment
Before the day
- Check your appointment letter for clinic name, building, level and arrival time.
- Confirm whether a referral is required and whether it is current.
- Ask if you need blood tests, imaging, medication changes or fasting.
- Plan parking or public transport; the campus has hills and multiple gates.
- Call TIS on 131 450 if you need interpreter help to contact a service.
On the day
- Arrive early enough to find the correct gate and desk.
- Bring Medicare/DVA card, referral, medication list and previous results.
- Ask reception if imaging, pathology or pharmacy is needed before leaving.
- Write down follow-up plan, contact number and expected result timeframe.
- Cancel or reschedule early if you cannot attend.
Parking at Hornsby Hospital: multi-storey car park, fees and concessions
| Main car park | Multi-storey car park at Gate 2 on Palmerston Road. |
|---|---|
| Capacity | About 500 spaces, bringing total available car spaces to almost 780. |
| Pay machines | Multi-storey car park levels 1 and 1A; Main Lobby, Level 1, Building 60. |
| Payment | Card and PayWave payments are accepted at parking machines and boom gate on exit. |
| Accessible parking | Official visitor map marks accessible parking across the campus. Display a valid permit where required. |
| Drop-off | For STAR Admissions / Day Surgery, a convenient driveway drop-off is accessible via Gate 9, Burdett Street. |
Normal parking fees
| Parking time | Fee |
|---|---|
| First 15 minutes | Free |
| 15 minutes to 1 hour | $8.30 |
| 1 to 2 hours | $12.30 |
| 2 to 3 hours | $16.60 |
| 3 to 4 hours | $19.30 |
| 4 to 5 hours | $22.20 |
| 5+ hours | $24.70 |
| Maximum daily fee | $24.70 |
Concession parking eligibility and fees
| Concession item | Official detail |
|---|---|
| Eligible card holders | Mobility Parking Scheme permit, Pensioner Concession Card, Gold Veterans Affairs Card, Health Care Card or Seniors Health Card holders. |
| Eligible treatment groups | Ongoing cancer treatment, treatment course longer than one week, attending more than twice weekly, frequent carers of long-term patients, cardiac rehabilitation class attendees, daily dressing outpatients and health promotion education class attendees. |
| Financial hardship | Speak to a social worker if you need financial help but do not meet the listed categories. |
| 0 to 3 hours | Free |
| 1 day | $6.90, single entry and exit for a 24-hour period. |
| 3 day ticket | $13.80, frequent-use ticket with multiple entries/exits over three days. |
| 7 day ticket | $27.60, frequent-use ticket with multiple entries/exits over seven days. |
Where to validate concession parking
Weekdays
- Building 60, Parking Office: 8:00am to 4:00pm.
- Building 60, Outpatients Desk: 8:00am to 4:30pm.
- Building 60, Concierge: 8:00am to 8:00pm.
- Building 14, GP Clinic.
- Building 50, Emergency Department front desk.
Weekends
- Building 60, Concierge: 8:00am to 8:00pm.
- Building 50, Emergency Department front desk.
- Bring parking ticket, photo ID and concession card or concessional-rate form before exiting.
Public transport, train stations, bus 575, taxi and walking access
| Transport option | Official detail | Practical user tip |
|---|---|---|
| Trip planning | Use Transport NSW or call 131 500. | Check live services before appointment day, especially if using train + bus. |
| Train: Hornsby Station | Hornsby Station is on the main Northern Line and North Shore Line. It is about 1.8 km from the hospital. | The walk has hills. Exit on the George Street side via the pedestrian overpass. |
| Train: Waitara Station | Waitara Station is on the North Shore Line. It is about 1.5 km from the hospital. | Exit on the Alexandria Avenue side. This walk is reasonably flat. |
| Bus 575 | Transdev bus 575 travels to Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital from Hornsby and Turramurra railway stations. | It picks up and sets down at the front of the hospital on Palmerston Road. There are no buses to the hospital from Waitara Station. |
| Taxi | Taxi rank is at Hornsby Station. A free taxi phone is on the wall in the main entrance of the Lumby Building, Building 5. | Tell the driver your gate/building because the campus is large. |
| Community transport | Community transport supports eligible people who cannot access public transport, including frail older people, people with disability/chronic conditions and carers. | Transport Access Guide lists Easy Transport on 1800 035 262. The hospital webpage also lists Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport on 02 9983 1611. |
| Cycling | Bike racks are in front of the Mental Health Intensive Care Unit and Emergency entrance. Staff bike storage is in Hope Building, and a visitor/patient facility can also be accessed in Hope Building. | Useful if you live within 5 to 10 km, but bring your own lock and check weather/fitness. |
Visiting hours, children’s ward and mental health visitor rules
| General visiting hours | 10:00am to 8:00pm. |
|---|---|
| Rest period | All wards have a rest period between 12:30pm and 1:30pm daily. |
| Outside 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 units | Visitors are welcome, but phone the unit first through the main hospital number because some times may not be open to visitors due to treatment schedules. |
| Mental health contraband rules | Items such as cigarette lighters, weapons, handbags, backpacks and mobile phones may not be allowed in the unit. Visitor belongings may be searched before entry. |
| Children visiting mental health units | Children can visit, but phone the unit before bringing a child so the right space and support can be arranged. |
Visitor tip: call the ward before travelling if the patient is in ICU, maternity, paediatrics, mental health, perioperative recovery, isolation, chemotherapy, dialysis or another specialist area.
Preadmission, day surgery and what to bring
Preadmission Clinic
- Location: Level 2, STAR Building.
- Phone: (02) 9485 6348.
- Referral fax: (02) 9485 6040.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 12:00pm to 4:30pm.
- Allow 3 to 4 hours for attendance.
- The clinic reviews risk factors, medications, surgical preparation and anaesthetic/medical needs.
Day surgery / admission
- Admissions / Day Surgery Unit: Level 2, STAR Building.
- Address clue: corner of Burdett Street and Derby Road.
- Gate 9, Burdett Street provides a driveway drop-off area.
- A nurse calls the day before admission with fasting instructions and arrival time.
- For Monday admissions, the call is the Friday before.
- If no call by 4:00pm, call 02 9485 6440 after 4:00pm and up to 7:00pm.
Before surgery: practical rules
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Fasting | No eating or drinking includes water, lollies and chewing gum. Follow direct instructions from the nurse/doctor. |
| Medication | Unless told otherwise, continue medication with a sip of water only. Tell your doctor if you take arthritis medicines, blood thinners, aspirin or diabetic medicines. |
| Escort home | Arrange a friend or relative to take you home. Another adult must stay with you overnight after surgery. |
| Taxi after surgery | You may take a taxi only if accompanied by another adult. |
| Clothing | Shower thoroughly, wear loose comfortable clothing, avoid nail polish, make-up, jewellery and high-heeled shoes. Cataract patients should wear a button-front shirt. |
| Piercings | Remove piercings in the operative area; tongue and nasal jewellery must also be removed. |
| If unwell | Call 02 9485 6346 if you feel ill or have a cold before surgery. |
| After anaesthetic | For 24 hours after surgery, do not drive, operate heavy machinery, drink alcohol or sign important documents. |
Bring to preadmission or surgery
- Recent blood test results.
- Cardiac investigation or cardiologist report if you have one.
- Medicare card, DVA card or health fund card.
- Medical history summary from your GP.
- Current medicines or a current medication list.
- Relevant test results, x-rays, ultrasounds and scans.
- Mobility aids such as walking stick or frame.
- Special aids such as hearing aids or CPAP machine.
- Do not bring valuables, jewellery, excess money or unnecessary items.
Medical Imaging and Day Medical Unit: contacts, fees and preparation
Medical Imaging
| Imaging item | Official detail | User action |
|---|---|---|
| General enquiries / appointments | (02) 9485 6533 | Use for X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound and Nuclear Medicine appointments. |
| Referral fax | (02) 9485 6048 | Ask your referrer to send the correct request form. |
| Hours: general enquiries | Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. | Call during business hours for routine questions. |
| Ultrasound | Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. | Ask about fasting or bladder instructions. |
| MRI | Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm. | Tell staff about implants, pacemakers, metal fragments or claustrophobia. Outpatient MRI services may have out-of-pocket fees. |
| Nuclear Medicine | Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm. | Ask about tracer timing, food/drink rules and post-scan instructions. |
| Services listed | Digital X-ray, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, MRI, interventional radiology and Nuclear Medicine. | Different tests have different preparation rules. Follow instructions given at booking. |
| Location | Level 1, adjacent to the outpatient pharmacy. | Use the hospital map and allow time to reach the department. |
Day Medical Unit
| DMU item | Official detail | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Outpatients Department, Level 1, Building 60, 36-76 Palmerston Road. | Do not attend without the correct referral and appointment instructions. |
| General enquiries | (02) 9485 6777 | Use for DMU questions. |
| Referral phone / fax | Phone: (02) 9485 6777. Fax: (02) 9485 6069. | Referral is needed through a specialist doctor with admitting rights at Hornsby Hospital. |
| Opening hours | Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. | Confirm appointment time and duration before travel. |
| What DMU does | Non-admitted, non-surgical nurse-led service for public patients needing short-term treatment, observation or procedures without overnight stay. | May include infusions, transfusions, injections, trial of voids and intravesical BCG treatment. |
Medical records, interpreter help, feedback and patient support
Health records access
- Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Information Services is on Level 1, STAR Building.
- Phone: (02) 9485 6120.
- Postal route: Health Information Services, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, Level 1, STAR Building, Palmerston Road, Hornsby NSW 2077.
- Viewing your record has no fee, but an application form and supporting documentation are required.
- HCIS aims to process valid health-record requests within 21 working days after valid form, documentation and fee are received.
Interpreter help
- Call TIS on 131 450 if you need an interpreter to contact a hospital service.
- Tell the operator in English which language you speak.
- The operator connects you to an interpreter.
- Tell the interpreter the hospital service name and phone number.
- TIS is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Feedback or complaint steps
- Raise the concern with the nurse, doctor, clinic desk or manager if it is safe and practical.
- If you are not comfortable doing that, contact the Patient Representative Officer on (02) 9485 6362.
- Explain the patient name, ward/clinic, date, concern, what has already happened and what outcome you need.
- For urgent deterioration, speak to staff immediately or call 000 if life is at risk.
Micro call scripts before visiting Hornsby Hospital
Appointment and clinic questions
- “Which building, gate, level and desk should I go to?”
- “Is my appointment in Building 60, Building 56 STAR, Building 14, Building 50 or Building 61?”
- “Do I need a referral, blood test, imaging, fasting or medication change?”
- “Can an interpreter be arranged for my appointment?”
- “Should I bring scans, reports, medication list or a support person?”
Parking, surgery and support questions
- “Should I use Gate 2 parking or Gate 9 drop-off?”
- “Am I eligible for concession parking and where do I validate it?”
- “What time will the nurse call with fasting and arrival instructions?”
- “Who is allowed to pick me up after surgery?”
- “Who should I call if I feel unwell before the procedure?”
Official Hornsby Hospital links for actions and latest checks
Use these links to perform an action, open the official map/PDF or confirm the latest details. The practical information from these official sources has already been summarised above.
Hornsby Hospital FAQs
What is the official name of Hornsby Hospital?
The official name is Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital.
What is the address of Hornsby Hospital?
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital is located on Palmerston Road, Hornsby NSW 2077, Australia.
What is the main phone number for Hornsby Hospital?
The main switchboard phone number for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital is (02) 9477 9123.
Does Hornsby Hospital have an Emergency Department?
Yes. Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital has an Emergency Department. For life-threatening symptoms, call 000.
Where is the Emergency entrance at Hornsby Hospital?
Turn onto Palmerston Road from Edgeworth David Avenue. The Emergency entrance is just after the Burdett Street intersection on the right.
How do I contact Hornsby Hospital outpatient services?
Call the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital switchboard on (02) 9477 9123 and ask for the relevant outpatient clinic. Clinic eligibility, referral and contact requirements differ by service.
Where is the main visitor parking at Hornsby Hospital?
The main multi-storey car park is at Gate 2 on Palmerston Road. It provides access for areas across the hospital campus.
How much is parking at Hornsby Hospital?
Normal parking fees start with the first 15 minutes free, then $8.30 for 15 minutes to 1 hour, $12.30 for 1 to 2 hours, and a maximum daily fee of $24.70.
What are Hornsby Hospital visiting hours?
General visiting hours are 10:00am to 8:00pm. All wards have a rest period from 12:30pm to 1:30pm daily. Parents are welcome at any time on the Children’s Ward / Paediatrics.
How do I get interpreter help for Hornsby Hospital?
Call TIS on 131 450, tell the operator in English which language you speak, and then give the interpreter the hospital service name and phone number. TIS is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Source and update note
This guide is based on official Northern Sydney Local Health District / NSW Health pages and PDFs for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital contact details, Emergency access, transport, parking, hospital map, outpatient services, pre-admission, surgery preparation, visiting hours, mental health services, interpreter service, Medical Imaging, Day Medical Unit and health-record access.
Hospital phone numbers, parking rates, clinic locations, referral requirements, visiting rules, surgery instructions, transport routes and service availability can change. Confirm urgent, appointment-specific or patient-specific details directly with Hornsby Ku-ring-gai 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.