Ballarat hospital emergency, appointment, parking and patient contact guide
Ballarat Base Hospital is a Grampians Health public hospital at 1 Drummond Street North, Ballarat. This page gives patients, carers and visitors the practical details they usually need before they call, attend Emergency, park in the Mair Street multi-deck car park, visit a patient, check a Specialist Outpatient appointment, use telehealth, ask about fees or request interpreter support.
The useful official details are included inside this guide first. Official links are kept for actions: directions, forms, urgent care options, outpatient changes, telehealth waiting rooms, billing, feedback and medical records.
Fast answer: Ballarat Base Hospital address, phone and emergency access
Emergency Department
24 hours, 7 days
Enter Emergency Department from Mair Street, near the corner of Drummond Street.
Call 000 for life-threatening emergencies.
Specialist Outpatients
Appointment help
Use for latest letter/SMS location, running late, cancelling, rescheduling or updating details.
| Official hospital name | Ballarat Base Hospital |
|---|---|
| Health service | Grampians Health |
| Address | 1 Drummond Street North, Ballarat, Victoria 3350 |
| Main switchboard | 03 5320 4000 |
| Head office postal address | PO Box 577, Ballarat, Victoria 3353, Australia |
| Specialist Outpatients phone | 03 5320 4221 |
| Emergency Department hours | 24 hours, 7 days |
| General visiting hours | 10.00am to 8.00pm for general wards including paediatrics, intensive care and critical care units. Maternity is also 10.00am to 8.00pm. Special Care Nursery is 2.00pm to 8.00pm. |
| Feedback phone | 03 5320 4014, Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm, excluding public holidays |
| Feedback email | feedback@gh.org.au |
| Official hospital page | Ballarat Base Hospital official Grampians Health page |
What should you do first?
| Your situation | Best next step | Important official detail |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening symptoms | Call 000 now. | Use 000 for chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, poisoning, severe allergic reaction, major bleeding or major injury. |
| Emergency but not sure where to enter | Go to Ballarat Base Hospital Emergency Department via Mair Street, near the corner of Drummond Street. | The Ballarat Emergency Department is listed as open 24 hours, 7 days. |
| Urgent but not life-threatening | Consider Ballarat Urgent Care Clinic, Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, Healthdirect or Nurse-on-Call. | Grampians Health says urgent care services are often free, staffed by doctors and nurses, and may be faster than ED for non-emergency issues. |
| Specialist Outpatient appointment | Check your latest SMS or letter before travelling. | Clinic locations can change while the hospital redevelopment is underway. Your latest letter/SMS is the guide. |
| Cannot find your latest appointment letter | Call Specialist Outpatients on 03 5320 4221. | Use this number before travelling to confirm location and appointment instructions. |
| Running late | Call 03 5320 4221. | Tell the clinic as early as possible so staff can advise whether you can still be seen. |
| Need to cancel or reschedule | Call 03 5320 4221 or use the official Change/Cancel appointment link from the Specialist Outpatients page. | Grampians Health asks for 24 hours’ notice if you can no longer attend. |
| Need interpreter support | Ask the staff caring for you, before or during your appointment. | Qualified interpreters are available and the service is free. |
| Serious concern during care | Speak with your healthcare team first. Use REACH for serious deterioration concerns. | Grampians Health lists REACH phone as 1800 298 626. For medical advice or immediate treatment, call your GP or 000. |
Ballarat Base Hospital map, entrances and redevelopment access note
Ballarat Base Hospital is at 1 Drummond Street North, Ballarat VIC 3350. During Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment works, Grampians Health advises visitors using the Mair Street multi-deck car park to access the hospital from Mair Street. Visitors can enter via the Mair Street Emergency Department entrance, but should not enter via the ambulance bays, or continue walking to the Drummond Street entrance.
| Hospital area | Use this practical instruction | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Department | Enter from Mair Street, near the corner of Drummond Street. | This is the official ED access direction listed by Grampians Health. |
| Main hospital access | Use Drummond Street entrance if your appointment letter or ward instructions direct you there. | The Drummond Street entrance is a key hospital entrance and has public toilets nearby. |
| From Mair Street car park | Enter through the Mair Street Emergency Department entrance or continue to Drummond Street entrance. | Redevelopment works can change pedestrian flow around the site. |
| BRICC building | Use the Sturt Street entrance area when your appointment is in BRICC. | BRICC contains cancer-related services and the BRICC café in the foyer. |
| Specialist Outpatients | Use the location shown on your latest letter or SMS. | Grampians Health specifically warns that clinic locations may change during redevelopment. |
Emergency Department and urgent care alternatives
| Care option | Official detail | When it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Ballarat Emergency Department | Located at Ballarat Base Hospital, 1 Drummond Street North. ED entrance from Mair Street. Service hours: 24 hours, 7 days. | Use for emergencies, serious symptoms, major injury or when urgent hospital-level assessment is needed. |
| Emergency triage | A triage nurse assesses symptoms, medical history, medications, allergies, pregnancy/breastfeeding status, recent overseas travel and other relevant information. | Patients are treated by urgency, not by arrival order. |
| Ballarat ED paediatric space | Grampians Health says Ballarat ED has a dedicated paediatric space with an internal paediatric waiting room. | Useful for children needing emergency assessment. |
| Ballarat Urgent Care Clinic | Listed as free for everyone with or without a Medicare card, generally open 9am to 11pm daily, at Level 1/1010 Sturt St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350. | Use for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions when appropriate. |
| Victorian Virtual Emergency Department | Free online service listed as 24 hours, 7 days. | Use for virtual assessment when symptoms are not life-threatening and online care is suitable. |
| Healthdirect | Free 24 hours, 7 days. Phone 1800 022 222. | Use for health advice and to find suitable services. |
| Nurse-on-Call | Free 24 hours, 7 days. Phone 1300 60 60 24. | Use when you are unsure what level of care you need. |
| Victorian Poisons Information Centre | Phone 13 11 26. | Use for poisoning advice, but call 000 if the person is seriously unwell. |
Specialist Outpatients appointments, referral rules and waitlist steps
Ballarat Specialist Outpatients provides specialist outpatient services plus allied health, pre-admission and post-discharge services. The most important instruction is to check your latest appointment letter or SMS because clinic locations can change during redevelopment works.
Appointment contact
- Call 03 5320 4221 if you cannot locate your latest letter.
- Call the same number if you are running late.
- Call or use the official online form if you need to cancel or reschedule.
- Give 24 hours’ notice when you cannot attend, where possible.
- Tell staff if you prefer appointment communication by letter, SMS or phone.
Referral pathway
- Your GP or healthcare provider sends a written referral to Grampians Health Specialist Outpatient Clinics.
- A specialist reviews the referral.
- The team contacts you when an appointment becomes available.
- There is no need to call the hospital just to schedule the first appointment after referral acceptance.
- If your condition worsens while waiting, follow up with your GP; for urgent attention call 000 or attend Emergency/Urgent Care.
Appointment types
| Appointment type | Official detail | Action for patient |
|---|---|---|
| On-site appointment | Held at one of the Ballarat campus locations. Grampians Health says there may be long waits. | Allow enough time, bring Medicare/Pension/DVA cards and follow the latest letter/SMS location. |
| Telehealth appointment | Video call with your specialist, conducted off-site using desktop, laptop, Android tablet or smartphone. | Do not attend the hospital for a telehealth appointment. Start the call 5-10 minutes before your appointment. |
| Telephone appointment | Phone call with your specialist, conducted off-site. The call may come from “No Caller ID”. | Keep your phone available and do not attend the hospital unless told to do so. |
| Pre-admission / post-discharge service | Specialist Outpatients Ballarat also provides pre-admission and post-discharge services. | Follow the specific instructions in your letter because these visits may have different preparation requirements. |
Waitlist and non-attendance rules
| Topic | Verified detail | Micro-step |
|---|---|---|
| Wait times | Wait times vary by specialty and can be long because of high demand in the Grampians region. | Watch for SMS or letter after your referral is accepted. |
| Estimated timeframe | Your SMS or letter may give an estimated timeframe. Grampians Health says these are estimates and actual wait times are likely to be longer. | Treat the timeframe as an estimate, not a guaranteed appointment date. |
| Referral validity | Referrals can be valid for 3 months, 12 months or indefinitely. If expired, clinic staff will ask you to renew it through your GP or referring specialist. | Ask your GP about referral expiry before your appointment date. |
| Declined referral | Referrals may be declined if data or medical information is incorrect, mismatched or inadequate. | Contact your GP quickly if Grampians Health requests more information. |
| Changing appointment | You can cancel or change by online form or by phoning 03 5320 4221. | Cancel early so the time can be offered to another patient. |
| Missing two appointments | Missing two consecutive appointments without notice may close your referral and return care to your GP. | Phone early if transport, illness or hardship prevents attendance. |
| Updating details | You are responsible for updating name, phone number, address, nominated GP and next of kin. | Call 03 5320 4221 or use the official update-details form. |
Specialist Outpatient clinic areas listed for Ballarat
Grampians Health lists a wide range of Ballarat Specialist Outpatient clinic areas. Availability, triage and clinic location can vary, so use the list below as service context, not as proof of a walk-in appointment.
| Clinic group | Listed examples |
|---|---|
| Medical and chronic disease | Cardiology, heart failure, diabetes, endocrinology, general medicine, gastroenterology, liver and coeliac, renal medicine/nephrology, respiratory, rheumatology. |
| Surgical specialties | General surgery, orthopaedics, plastics clinic, urology, vascular, ear/nose/throat. |
| Cancer and blood | Haematology, oncology, iron deficiency and infusion clinic, palliative care, rapid access lung lesion clinic. |
| Women, children and family | Antenatal/maternity outpatients, antenatal endocrinology, gynaecology, paediatrics, paediatric diabetes. |
| Other listed clinics | Addiction medicine, breast screen, eating disorder multidisciplinary clinic, infectious diseases, neurology, nerve conduction studies, ophthalmology, pain management, voluntary assisted dying. |
Ballarat Base Hospital services and buildings
Grampians Health’s Ballarat campus includes Ballarat Base Hospital plus nearby services and clinics. The Ballarat Base Hospital location page lists major buildings including BRICC Building, Cancer Wellness Centre, CEP Building, Gardiner Pittard Building, Henry Bolte Building, Medical Services Building, Queen Victoria Building and West Wing.
| Service or area | Verified official detail | What to confirm before attending |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Department | 24 hours, 7 days. Entry from Mair Street near the corner of Drummond Street. | Use 000 for life-threatening symptoms. For non-emergency urgent care, consider urgent care alternatives. |
| Specialist Outpatients | Provides specialist outpatient services plus allied health, pre-admission and post-discharge services. | Latest letter/SMS location, test requirements and whether the appointment is on-site, telehealth or telephone. |
| Intensive Care Unit | ICU cares for critically ill patients, coronary care patients, complex medical and surgical patients, unwell infants/children and people needing close observation. | ICU visitor rules and whether flowers are allowed. Grampians Health says no flowers in ICU for infection-control reasons. |
| Surgical services | Grampians Health provides surgical services across Ballarat, Horsham and Stawell campuses. | Admission time, fasting, consent, escort requirement and possible theatre delays due to emergencies. |
| Maternity | Grampians Health lists maternity care, maternity outpatients and 24/7 birth-suite availability in Ballarat. | Referral pathway, Pregnancy Assessment Service instructions, support person and birth-suite access rules. |
| Medical imaging / radiology | Diagnostic services are listed at Ballarat Base Hospital, and radiology contact details appear on the official site for the Gardiner Pittard Building area. | Referral/request form, preparation, Medicare/DVA/private billing and whether previous scans are needed. |
| Pharmacy | At Ballarat, discharge medication may be dispensed by Grampians Health pharmacy when leaving hospital. For outpatients, specialised medicines may be handled through the pharmacy window in CEP Building Level 4. | Discharge medication charges and whether your script should be filled by hospital pharmacy or a community pharmacy. |
| Cancer Wellness Centre | Welcoming retreat for oncology patients and carers; programs are free for cancer patients within the Ballarat and Grampians region regardless of treatment place. | Program booking and cancellation instructions. |
| BRICC / oncology-related care | BRICC Building is listed within Ballarat Base Hospital. Grampians Health also lists cancer services and oncology-related clinics. | Exact clinic level, Sturt Street entrance, treatment time and parking plan. |
| First Nations Health | Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers and Koori Mental Health Liaison Officer provide culturally appropriate care and support across Grampians Health sites. | Ask the treating team for referral or email ahlodept@gh.org.au for service contact. |
| Telehealth | Telehealth is a video call with your clinician; available to Medicare card holders and can be bulk-billed. | Use Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge as listed by Grampians Health; start the call 5-10 minutes early. |
Ballarat Base Hospital parking fees, Mair Street access and facilities
Three hours of free timed parking is available at Ballarat Base Hospital’s multi-deck car park in Mair Street. During redevelopment works, Grampians Health advises visitors to access the hospital from the car park via Mair Street and avoid the ambulance bays.
Official parking fee table
| Parking duration | Official public fee | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 hours | Free | Best for shorter appointments, but still allow time for queues, clinic delays and walking from car park. |
| 3-4 hours | $12.00 | Common risk for Specialist Outpatient appointments with long waits. |
| 4-5 hours | $15.00 | Plan for this if attending multiple tests or appointments. |
| 5-6 hours | $18.00 | Possible for lengthy appointments, day treatment or visitor stays. |
| 6-7 hours | $21.00 | Consider support person, food and medication needs. |
| 7-8 hours / 24 hours | $22.50 | Listed as the 7-8 hours / 24 hours public fee. |
Parking and access notes
- Multi-deck car park access: Mair Street.
- Parking enquiries: info@aceparking.com.au.
- Disabled parking is located in various locations around the Base Hospital.
- Metered street parking is available on Sturt Street.
- For free Ballarat CBD parking options, use the City of Ballarat parking-zone information.
On-site facilities
- Kitchen Quarters Café: ground floor near Drummond Street entrance; open Monday to Sunday 8.30am to 7.00pm.
- BRICC Café: ground floor foyer of BRICC building near Sturt Street entrance; open Monday to Friday 8.00am to 2.00pm.
- No ATM facilities are available on-site; banks are located on Sturt Street.
- Gift shop is beside Kitchen Quarters Café; open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm, subject to volunteer availability.
- Public toilets are inside the Emergency Department entrance and in the Drummond Street entrance foyer.
Public transport and local arrival tips
Transport times change, so always check the current PTV or Transport Victoria journey planner before travelling. The details below are included only where they appear in official Victorian transport listings.
| Transport option | Verified public transport detail | Visitor tip |
|---|---|---|
| Nearby bus stop | Transport Victoria lists Ballarat Base Hospital/Drummond St N as a bus stop. | Use live departure information before leaving, especially for early morning or late appointments. |
| Route 11 | PTV lists Route 11 Ballarat Station – Wendouree Station via Howitt St with Ballarat Base Hospital/Drummond St N and hospital-related stops. | Useful for Ballarat Station/Wendouree travel depending on the current timetable. |
| Route 25 | Transport Victoria lists Route 25 Ballarat Station – Delacombe with Ballarat Base Hospital/Sturt-related stops. | Check whether your nearest stop is Sturt Street or Drummond Street before walking. |
| Regional/V/Line-style coach routes | Transport listings show Ballarat Base Hospital/Sturt St on some regional routes, including Ballarat-Warrnambool via Skipton and Warrnambool-Melbourne via Ballarat listings. | Regional services vary; verify route direction and stop before relying on it for appointments. |
| Driving | Use the hospital address 1 Drummond Street North, Ballarat VIC 3350, or the Mair Street multi-deck car park if parking. | Redevelopment works can affect normal walking routes; follow on-site signs. |
Visiting hours and infection-control rules
| Visitor topic | Verified detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| General wards | 10.00am to 8.00pm. | Call the ward if the patient has restrictions or is in a special clinical area. |
| Paediatrics | 10.00am to 8.00pm. | Confirm parent/carer rules with the ward, especially for overnight or special circumstances. |
| Intensive Care and Critical Care Units | 10.00am to 8.00pm. | Ask staff before visiting because critically ill patients may have care procedures or rest needs. |
| Maternity | 10.00am to 8.00pm. | Check maternity-specific rules before travelling. |
| Special Care Nursery | 2.00pm to 8.00pm. | Do not assume general ward hours apply to the nursery. |
| Outside-hours visiting | Can be approved for next of kin or compassionate grounds by the nurse in charge/Nurse Unit Manager. | Contact the ward before arriving outside listed hours. |
| When not to visit | Do not visit if unwell, have a cold, have been vomiting or have had diarrhoea. | Protect patients and staff by delaying your visit. |
| COVID-positive patient or known COVID area | Additional requirements may apply, including N95 mask use. | Follow ward/entry instructions on the day. |
Medicare, private patients, payment office and Medicare-ineligible fees
Grampians Health billing depends on Medicare status, private insurance, DVA, TAC/WorkSafe, outpatient/inpatient status and the exact service. Do not publish one guessed fee for all patients. The verified official details below are the safest way to explain costs.
Private health insurance
Grampians Health says public hospitals must give patients the option of being treated as public or private on admission. Using private health insurance can support local services, and Grampians Health says it covers the gap between what insurance pays and actual costs for eligible private patient care, with exclusions.
Private-patient exclusions
Officially listed exclusions include MRI for private patients when the equipment is not owned/operated by Grampians Health, and a small pharmacy fee paid by all patients for discharge medication.
Private Patient Liaison contacts
Grampians Health lists private-patient help numbers: 03 5320 4214, 03 5320 8693, and 0439 642 221.
Payments
Payments can be made in person, by phone or via BPAY details on the invoice. Payment office hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Payment and billing contacts
| Billing need | Official contact | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Pay in person at Ballarat | Cashiers Office at Ballarat Base Hospital, Drummond Street entrance, Gardiner Pittard ground floor. | In-person payments during payment office hours. |
| Pay by phone | 03 5320 6960, option 1. | Payment by cheque, cash, EFTPOS and credit card; American Express excluded. |
| Inpatient billing | 03 5320 6960, option 5; PrivateBilling@gh.org.au. | Private patient billing, inpatient accounts and insurance-related billing questions. |
| Accounts receivable / sundry | 03 5320 6960, option 4; fax 03 5320 4736; accountsreceivable@gh.org.au. | Non-inpatient account questions. |
| Private Patient Billing Team | 03 5320 6960, option 1; Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm; PrivateBilling@gh.org.au. | Private-to-pay, private insurance and admission payment questions. |
Medicare-ineligible standard rates effective 1 July 2025
The following amounts come from the official Grampians Health Medicare-ineligible rates PDF. They are not general Medicare patient fees. They apply to Medicare-ineligible patients as described in the PDF and should be confirmed with Grampians Health before treatment.
| Service | Official listed rate |
|---|---|
| Emergency attendance, per visit | $730 |
| Urgent Care, per visit | $470 |
| Outpatient/Specialist Clinics, per consultation | $415 |
| Allied Health, per attendance | $225 |
| Domiciliary care, per visit | $160 |
| Interpreter fee | $155 |
| Antenatal classes, 2 hours | $250 |
| Day stay only bed fee | $2,000 |
| Special Care Nursery day stay | $2,310 |
| SSU Short Stay Unit | $1,500 |
| Overnight bed fee: Medical/Dialysis | $2,385 per night |
| Overnight bed fee: Surgical/Advanced Surgical | $2,600 per night |
| Overnight bed fee: Intensive Care ICU | $5,950 per night |
| Overnight bed fee: Coronary Care CCU | $4,725 per night |
| Overnight bed fee: Rehabilitation/Psychiatric Care | $2,385 per night |
| Overnight bed fee: HITH/Palliative Care | $900 per night |
| Overnight bed fee: Special Care Nursery | $3,080 per night |
| Prosthesis and aids | Full cost |
| Pharmacy | Full cost |
| X-ray/Radiology/Pathology | Full cost |
| Anaesthetic | Full cost |
| Ambulance transport | Full cost |
| Maternity care up to 5 nights: normal delivery | $16,500 |
| Maternity care up to 5 nights: caesarean delivery | $18,500 |
What to bring for appointments, admission and Emergency
For Specialist Outpatients
- Appointment letter or SMS
- Relevant x-rays, scans, blood tests or other results
- Current medicine and supplement list
- Medicare card
- DVA card, pension card or concession card if relevant
- TAC or WorkCover claim number and case manager details if applicable
- GP address and phone number
- Medication or supplements needed during the visit
- Toys/books for children attending with you
- Written questions for the doctor
For hospital admission
- Medicare card, licence or other ID
- Admission letter
- All medications in their boxes, including EpiPens and inhalers
- Reading glasses
- Contact details for next of kin and care agencies
- GP name and address
- Money/card for cafeteria or other services
- Body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toiletries and tissues
- Dressing gown, night clothes, slippers, comfortable clothes and shoes
- A responsible adult pick-up and overnight support if having a day procedure
Telehealth appointment steps for Ballarat clinics
| Step | What to do | Official note |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Check appointment type | Confirm whether your appointment is on-site, telehealth or telephone. | If you attend the hospital for a telehealth or telephone appointment, Grampians Health says you will be asked to leave because those appointments are off-site. |
| 2. Prepare device | Use desktop, laptop, Android tablet or smartphone. | Supported browsers include Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge versions listed by Grampians Health. |
| 3. Start early | Start video call 5-10 minutes before the appointment. | This gives time to fix microphone, speaker, camera or connection problems. |
| 4. Choose waiting room | Select the correct service from the Grampians Health telehealth page and click the relevant clinic waiting room. | Many Ballarat Specialist Outpatient clinics have separate Healthdirect waiting rooms. |
| 5. Enter details | Enter your name and phone number, then continue into the waiting area. | The clinician arrives and the consultation starts. |
| 6. Cost note | Telehealth can be bulk-billed for Medicare card holders. | Grampians Health says there is no additional cost to be seen by telehealth, but data usage costs may apply. |
Interpreter, First Nations support, medical records and feedback
Interpreter support
- Qualified interpreters are available if English is not your first language.
- You can request the service by asking the staff caring for you.
- Grampians Health says interpreter service is free.
- Ask before the appointment when possible, especially for consent, diagnosis, medicines or discharge instructions.
First Nations Health support
- Available across Grampians Health sites and programs.
- Supports patients and community members who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
- Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers can help with culturally appropriate care, access to information, referrals and advocacy.
- Email contact listed: ahlodept@gh.org.au.
Medical records and FOI
| Need | Official instruction | Contact/detail |
|---|---|---|
| Send medical information to another provider | Your doctor can ask Grampians Health to send medical information for continuing care. | Health Information Services Ballarat: 03 5320 4227 or HISEnquiries@gh.org.au. |
| Copy of discharge summary | You can obtain it through My Health Record. If you do not have My Health Record, contact Health Information Services. | You do not need an FOI application if you only need a discharge summary. |
| Access medical record | Use the Grampians Health FOI request pathway or email a written request. | freedomofinformation@gh.org.au. |
| FOI application fee | Official fee listed as $34.50, non-refundable. | Fee waiver can be requested for concession card, hardship or compassionate grounds. |
| FOI processing time | Grampians Health says it can take up to 30 days; they will tell you if longer is needed. | Include clear document description, patient ID details and proof of identity to avoid delay. |
Feedback and complaint steps
| Step | What to do | Contact/detail |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Speak with the healthcare team first, such as a senior nurse, doctor or manager. | Best for concerns that need action during current care. |
| Step 2 | If you have a serious concern about a worrying change in condition, contact REACH. | 1800 298 626. For medical advice or immediate treatment, call your GP or 000. |
| Step 3 | Submit feedback directly to Grampians Health. | Online form, ward/reception paper form, feedback@gh.org.au, or phone 03 5320 4014. |
| Phone hours | Feedback phone line is available Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm, excluding public holidays. | Deaf or speech/hearing support: National Relay Service 1800 555 660 or helpdesk@relayservice.com.au. |
| Privacy reassurance | Grampians Health says sharing feedback is safe, confidential and will not affect the care or services you receive. | If submitting for someone else, authority may need to be verified. |
| Independent escalation | Options include Health Complaints Commissioner and other independent bodies. | Health Complaints Commissioner: 1300 582 113. |
Official action links for Ballarat Base Hospital
These links are for action and verification. The practical details are already summarised above, so users should only need to leave this page to complete a task or confirm personal details.
| User need | Official link | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Main hospital details | Ballarat Base Hospital official page | Address, phone, parking, fees, facilities and buildings. |
| Google directions | Open Ballarat Base Hospital in Google Maps | Live directions, traffic and arrival planning. |
| Emergency Department | Ballarat Emergency Department official page | ED address, entrance, 24/7 service hours and switchboard. |
| Emergency and urgent care alternatives | Grampians Health emergency and urgent care | 000 guidance, urgent care clinic, virtual ED, Healthdirect, Nurse-on-Call and other options. |
| Specialist Outpatients | Specialist Outpatients Ballarat | Appointments, rescheduling, waitlist, clinic list, parking and patient information. |
| Outpatient FAQ | Specialist Outpatients FAQ | Referral validity, appointment notification, what to bring, non-attendance policy and appointment changes. |
| Telehealth | Grampians Health Telehealth | Video-call steps, clinic waiting rooms, device requirements and browser support. |
| Visiting hours | Visiting Guidelines | General ward, maternity and Special Care Nursery visiting hours and infection-control rules. |
| Hospital admission preparation | Coming to Hospital | Admission letter, day procedure escort, what to bring, consent, special needs and valuables. |
| Private patients | Private Patients | Private insurance, private-to-pay, TAC/WorkSafe, DVA and Medicare-ineligible guidance. |
| Medicare-ineligible rates PDF | Medicare Ineligible Rates 2025-2026 PDF | Official rate table for Medicare-ineligible patients. |
| Accounts and payments | Accounts, Fees & Payments | Cashier office, phone payments, BPAY, inpatient billing and accounts contacts. |
| Interpreter support | Interpreter Services | Free interpreter request process. |
| First Nations support | First Nations Health | Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer and cultural support information. |
| Feedback or complaint | Concerns and complaints | Feedback form, email, phone, REACH, complaint process and escalation options. |
| Medical records / FOI | Freedom of Information | Medical record access, discharge summary, FOI fee, required ID and processing time. |
| Public transport stop | Ballarat Base Hospital/Drummond St N stop | Live bus departure information from Transport Victoria. |
Ballarat Base Hospital FAQs
What is the address of Ballarat Base Hospital?
Ballarat Base Hospital is located at 1 Drummond Street North, Ballarat, Victoria 3350.
What is the phone number for Ballarat Base Hospital?
The main switchboard phone number for Ballarat Base Hospital is 03 5320 4000.
Is Ballarat Base Hospital Emergency Department open 24 hours?
Yes. Grampians Health lists Ballarat Emergency Department service hours as 24 hours, 7 days. For life-threatening emergencies, call 000.
Where is the Emergency Department entrance at Ballarat Base Hospital?
Grampians Health says to enter the Emergency Department from Mair Street, near the corner of Drummond Street.
How do I contact Ballarat Specialist Outpatients?
Call 03 5320 4221 for Ballarat Specialist Outpatients appointment questions, running late, changing appointments, cancelling appointments, updating details or latest letter/SMS location help.
What are the visiting hours at Ballarat Base Hospital?
General wards including paediatrics, intensive care and critical care units are listed as 10.00am to 8.00pm. Maternity is 10.00am to 8.00pm. Special Care Nursery is 2.00pm to 8.00pm.
How much is parking at Ballarat Base Hospital?
The Mair Street multi-deck car park provides 0-3 hours free. Public fees listed by Grampians Health are $12 for 3-4 hours, $15 for 4-5 hours, $18 for 5-6 hours, $21 for 6-7 hours and $22.50 for 7-8 hours or 24 hours.
Are there cafés at Ballarat Base Hospital?
Yes. Kitchen Quarters Café is on the ground floor near the Drummond Street entrance and is open Monday to Sunday 8.30am to 7.00pm. BRICC Café is in the BRICC building foyer near the Sturt Street entrance and is open Monday to Friday 8.00am to 2.00pm.
Does Ballarat Base Hospital have interpreter services?
Yes. Grampians Health says qualified interpreters are available if English is not your first language. You can request the service by asking the staff caring for you, and the service is free.
What should I bring to a Ballarat Specialist Outpatients appointment?
Bring your appointment letter, relevant x-rays, scans, blood tests or other results, current medication and supplement list, Medicare card, DVA or concession cards, TAC or WorkCover details if applicable, GP contact details and any medicine you need during the visit.
Source and update note
This guide is based on official Grampians Health pages for Ballarat Base Hospital, Ballarat Emergency Department, Specialist Outpatients Ballarat, Specialist Outpatients FAQ, Emergency and Urgent Care, Visiting Guidelines, Coming to Hospital, Private Patients, Accounts, Interpreter Services, First Nations Health, Concerns and Complaints, Freedom of Information, the official Grampians Health Medicare Ineligible Rates 2025-2026 PDF, and official Victorian transport listings for nearby hospital bus stops.
Hospital contacts, parking fees, clinic locations, visiting rules, billing rules, waitlists and transport schedules can change. Use the official action links above to confirm personal details before travelling.
This page is an informational hospital guide only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.