Canberra Hospital: Address, Appointment & Contact Info

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Canberra Hospital patient, appointment, parking and visitor guide

Canberra Hospital is a major public tertiary hospital in Garran, Canberra, serving the ACT and surrounding region. This guide is built for patients, carers and visitors who want the useful details before calling, attending Emergency, checking an outpatient referral, driving to the hospital, using public transport or visiting someone on a ward.

Below you will find the Canberra Hospital address, switchboard number, appointment and referral process, Emergency Department location, map, parking, courtesy bus, outpatient billing notes, access support, interpreter help, facilities, patient rights, official links and practical questions to ask before you travel.

For a life-threatening emergency in Australia, call Triple Zero 000. Do not wait for an appointment or rely on an online hospital guide.

Canberra Hospital address, phone number and emergency contact

Hospital name Canberra Hospital
Main address Yamba Drive, Garran ACT 2605, Australia
Main campus position Corner of Yamba Drive and Hindmarsh Drive, Garran, in Canberra’s Woden Valley.
Main switchboard (02) 5124 0000
International callers +61 2 5124 0000
Switchboard availability The switchboard handles calls to, from and within Canberra Health Services hospitals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Emergency Department Building 5, Hospital Road, Garran ACT 2605. The ED is near the main entrance to Canberra Hospital.
Emergency Department phone Call the main switchboard: (02) 5124 0000. For life-threatening emergencies, call 000.
Official website Canberra Health Services official website
Best first step Use the phone number or clinic details in your appointment letter first. If you do not know the correct clinic, call the switchboard or Central Health Intake.

Canberra Hospital map, main entrance and directions

Canberra Hospital is in Garran, on the corner of Yamba Drive and Hindmarsh Drive. The main entrance is in the Critical Services Building, also called Building 5, along Hospital Road. Use the map below for location planning, then check your appointment letter for the exact building, level and clinic desk.

Wayfinding tip: Canberra Hospital is a large campus. If you are unsure where to go, ask at Main Reception in Building 5, Level 2, or look for hospital volunteers wearing purple T-shirts.

Canberra Hospital Building 5 official video

This official Canberra Health Services video shows the Critical Services Building at Canberra Hospital. It is helpful for patients and visitors because Building 5 is now the main entry area and houses key critical care services including the Emergency Department, ICU, operating theatres, cardiac services and inpatient wards.

Building 5 main entry, Emergency Department and critical care services

The new Critical Services Building at Canberra Hospital is now open and is known as Building 5. Its main entrance is on the southern end of Hospital Road, off Bateson Road, and it is around 200 metres from the Southern Multistorey Car Park.

Building 5 area What patients and visitors should know
Main entry and reception Building 5 is the new main entry to Canberra Hospital. Main Reception is on Level 2, street level.
Emergency Department The ED has moved to Building 5. It has its own entrance at the southern end of Hospital Road, off Bateson Road.
Emergency drop-off Drop-off and pick-up is available at the ED entrance. The entrance has a large white EMERGENCY sign.
ICU The Intensive Care Unit is on Level 5 in Building 5.
Operating theatres and preadmission clinic Operating theatres and Preadmission Clinic are in Building 5, Level 3.
Cardiac care The Cardiac Day Unit, Acute Cardiac Care Unit and Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratories are on Level 6.
Medical and surgical inpatient wards Some medical and surgical inpatient wards are on Levels 6 and 7.
Medical imaging near Emergency Medical Imaging has services down the corridor from Emergency in Building 5, Level 2, and also in Building 12, Level 2.
Closest major parking The Southern multistorey car park on Bateson Road is the closest major car park to Building 5.

Canberra Hospital Emergency Department: where to go and what to expect

The Canberra Hospital Emergency Department is in Building 5, Hospital Road, Garran. It is near the hospital’s main entrance and has a dedicated Emergency entrance with a large white EMERGENCY sign above it.

Call 000 immediately for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms, major injury, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, poisoning, severe allergic reaction, serious burns, seizure, or any life-threatening emergency.
Emergency visitor need Useful detail
ED location Building 5, Hospital Road, Garran ACT 2605.
ED entrance Southern end of Hospital Road, off Bateson Road, near the main hospital entrance.
Drop-off Drop-off and pick-up is available at the ED entrance.
Closest parking Southern multistorey car park on Bateson Road, less than 300 metres from the ED/Building 5 area.
Short-stay parking Some accessible and short-stay parking is available near the Emergency entrance, but spaces are limited.
Non-life-threatening issue Consider a GP, Walk-in Centre, CALMS, healthdirect or other urgent care option if it is not an emergency.

This guide does not provide medical advice. If symptoms are serious or worsening, seek urgent medical help.

Outpatient appointments, referrals and booking contact

For most Canberra Health Services outpatient appointments, you usually need a referral from your GP. Your GP sends the referral directly to Canberra Health Services, then clinicians triage the referral to decide how urgently you need to be seen.

How outpatient appointment referrals work

  • Your GP or specialist sends the referral.
  • Clinicians triage the referral, usually aiming to triage within five days of receiving it.
  • You and your GP receive a letter confirming you are on the waiting list.
  • You are contacted when an appointment is available.
  • If you prefer telehealth, tell the clinic so they can consider whether it is appropriate.

Do you need to call?

You normally do not need to call unless you are following up on an existing appointment. If your condition changes while waiting, visit your GP so they can send updated information.

If you leave a message, Canberra Health Services says they try to return calls within two business days.

Central Health Intake phone numbers

Central Health Intake, often called CHI, is a single point of entry for ACT residents to access a wide range of services. CHI can provide service information, check eligibility, make appointments, give referral updates and approximate waitlist wait times for some services, and refer you to other services.

Need Phone Hours
Community-based services and clinics (02) 5124 9977 Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, excluding public holidays.
Select Canberra Hospital Central Outpatient services (02) 5124 2415 Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding public holidays.
Wednesday early closure Both CHI lines Both phone lines close at 3:30pm every Wednesday for quality and staff training.
Call-back tip: If the CHI phone line is busy and a call-back option is offered, choose it. Canberra Health Services says you keep your place in the queue and are called back in turn.

How to cancel or reschedule a Canberra Hospital appointment

If you need to cancel or reschedule an outpatient appointment, Canberra Health Services asks for at least 72 hours’ notice so the appointment can be offered to another patient.

Appointment task What to do
Cancel or reschedule early Give at least 72 hours’ notice where possible.
Cancel through MyDHR Use MyDHR if your appointment is available to manage there.
Call the clinic directly Use the clinic contact details in your appointment letter or service directory listing.
Use the cancellation form Canberra Health Services provides a cancellation form for outpatient clinics at Canberra Hospital.
Cancel less than 24 hours before This may be treated as failure to attend, so call as early as you can.

Hospital services, clinics and care areas at Canberra Hospital

Canberra Hospital is a tertiary hospital providing trauma services and many major medical and surgical sub-specialty services. Canberra Health Services also operates community-based health facilities, Walk-in Centres and other hospitals across the ACT.

Service area Useful patient detail
Emergency and trauma Canberra Hospital provides Emergency Department care in Building 5 and trauma services for serious injury and urgent presentations.
Surgical services Includes general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, ENT, fracture clinic, neurosurgery, urology, vascular surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and related specialist review clinics.
General surgery Reviews conditions such as colorectal bowel disease, endocrine surgery, hepatobiliary/pancreatic surgery, hernia and abdominal wall conditions, perineal disease, faecal incontinence and upper gastrointestinal surgery.
Cancer services Includes Canberra Region Cancer Centre, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Haematology Clinic, High Risk Breast Cancer Clinic and other cancer-related clinics.
Cardiac care Building 5 includes cardiac services such as the Acute Cardiac Care Unit, Cardiac Day Unit and Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratories.
Medical imaging Imaging services include X-ray, CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, angiography, bone mineral density and breast imaging services.
Pathology ACT Pathology provides specialist pathology services and has laboratories at Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital.
Pharmacy Pharmacy supports safe, effective and affordable use of medicines across the health service.
Mental health Canberra Health Services provides mental health assessment, support and treatment in hospitals and the community. Access Mental Health is available 24/7.
Pregnancy, birth and children’s services Centenary Hospital for Women and Children is on the Canberra Hospital campus and provides pregnancy, birth and child-related services.
Allied health and support services Includes allied health, counselling, social work, care for older people, rehabilitation, equipment loan and other support programs.

Exact clinic days, doctor rosters and specialist availability change. Use the clinic details in your letter or call the relevant service before attending.

Quick campus directions for common departments

Canberra Hospital has multiple buildings. The quickest way to avoid arriving at the wrong place is to match your appointment letter with the building and level before you leave home.

Department or service Where to go on campus
Main Reception Building 5, Level 2, street level, along Hospital Road.
Emergency Department Building 5, Hospital Road, near the main entrance; look for the EMERGENCY sign.
Central Outpatient Department Main hospital Building 1, Level 2, street level, past the stairwell and patient/visitor lifts in the Building 2 foyer.
Building 15 Outpatient Services Yellow building on Hospital Road, close to the Southern multistorey car park.
ACT Pathology collection centre Building 10, Level 1, street level, next to Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Building 11. Easiest access is directly from outside Building 10.
Canberra Region Cancer Centre Building 19, Level 2.
Medical Imaging Building 5, Level 2 near Emergency, and Building 12, Level 2.
ICU Building 5, Level 5.
Operating Theatres and Preadmission Clinic Building 5, Level 3.
Medical Records Department Building 12, mezzanine level, below Medical Imaging.
Rheumatology and Dermatology Outpatient Clinic Building 3, Level 1, ground level, along Bateson Road. The entrance is only accessible from Bateson Road.

Canberra Hospital parking, drop-off zones and accessible parking

Canberra Hospital provides free onsite parking for patients, visitors and staff. Most people arrive by car, and parking can be hard to find, so allow extra time before appointments.

Parking or access option Details
Campus vehicle entries Yamba Drive north/south onto Bateson Road, Palmer Street in Garran onto Bateson Road, and Gilmore Crescent in Garran onto Hospital Road.
Southern multistorey car park Located on Bateson Road. It is the large grey and orange car park visible from Yamba Drive and Hindmarsh Drive.
Walk from Southern multistorey car park About 300 metres to the main hospital entrance. Pedestrian access to the main hospital is via Level 2.
Southern multistorey features Free 3-hour parking, motorcycle parking, undercover spaces, open 24/7, wheelchair return bay on Level 2 and Level 4 pedestrian link to the Adult Mental Health Unit.
Yamba Drive South car park Across the road from the campus. Entrance is from Yamba Drive heading north towards the City. Walk to hospital is about 350 metres, partially uphill.
Yamba Drive South features Free 3-hour and all-day parking, outdoors, open 24/7.
Emergency drop-off Emergency Department, Building 5, Hospital Road.
Main hospital drop-off Main Hospital Entrance, Building 5, Hospital Road.
Other drop-off points Building 3 Rheumatology Outpatients, Building 15, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Canberra Region Cancer Centre and Adult Mental Health Unit.
Accessible parking Accessible spaces are available in the Southern multistorey car park and smaller car parks around campus. A disability parking permit must be displayed.
Best all-day accessible parking Southern multistorey car park Levels 1, 2 and 3 have no time limit for accessible parking.
Best accessible access Building 12 undercover accessible parking has 28 accessible parking spaces with a 3-hour time limit.
If an appointment delay causes parking overstay Ask staff in your appointment area to contact Parking Operations before your parking time runs out. Know your vehicle model, colour, registration and location.
Parking safety: Duress alarms are located throughout car parks and walkways. Use them if there is a personal safety risk or a medical emergency such as chest pain or shortness of breath.

Public transport, bus stops and courtesy bus

Transport Canberra provides bus services around Canberra Hospital. Some bus stops are close to entrances, but a few routes involve uphill walking or longer distances, so use the courtesy bus if mobility is a concern.

Transport option Useful detail
Yamba Drive bus stops Stops near the Canberra Hospital entry and Building 20 entrance. Some routes include 6, 60, 61, 72, 76, 77 and 902 depending on direction.
Gilmore Crescent stops Useful for Centenary Hospital for Women and Children and Pathology Building 10/11.
Bateson Road stops Useful for Building 3, Building 15, Adult Mental Health Unit, Canberra Region Cancer Centre and the multistorey car park area.
Building 2 entrance stop Yamba Drive Entrance, Building 2, is about 20 metres from Building 2 entrance and around 155 metres from Emergency through Building 2.
Transport Canberra Journey Planner Use it before travel because route times and stops can change.

Canberra Hospital courtesy bus

The Canberra Hospital Courtesy Bus loops the campus every 15 minutes. It operates 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays, collecting and dropping off patients, carers and visitors.

  • Key stops include Building 3 Bateson Road, Canberra Region Cancer Centre, Southern multistorey car park, Building 15 Outpatient Services, Building 5 Main Entry, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Building 12 car park and Yamba Drive.
  • For a pick-up from Building 3 Bateson Road, Building 12 car park or Yamba Drive, call (02) 5124 5145.
  • You can wave down the courtesy bus where it is safe for the driver to stop.

Medicare, outpatient fees, overseas patients and billing contacts

For outpatient treatment as a public patient, you generally do not pay for treatment if you have a Medicare card, DVA card or are an asylum seeker. Some medicines, equipment or diagnostic tests may still have costs if they are not fully covered by Medicare or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Patient situation What to know before attending
Medicare card holder Public outpatient treatment is generally free when you are treated as a public patient. Bring your Medicare card.
DVA card holder Bring your DVA card and appointment documents.
Asylum seeker Canberra Health Services states public outpatient treatment is not charged for asylum seekers. Bring relevant documents.
Medicines not on PBS You may need to pay if your doctor suggests a medicine not covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Diagnostic tests not fully covered by Medicare Some tests may have a cost. Your doctor should talk through options, alternatives and expected costs.
Compensation claim If treatment relates to workers compensation, motor vehicle accident or another accepted compensation claim, supply claim details and insurer/solicitor information.
Medicare non-eligible or overseas visitor In most cases you must meet the full cost of hospital treatment, including Emergency Department treatment, unless a reciprocal healthcare agreement or insurance applies.
Overseas visitor with health or travel insurance Tell Canberra Health Services about your insurance. You may need to claim through the insurer or pay the gap between hospital charges and insurer payment.
Walk-in Centres Canberra Health Services states there is no charge for attending a Walk-in Centre, even if you are an overseas visitor or not eligible for Medicare.

Patient Accounts contact

Fee safety note: Do not assume a fee from old search results. Public patient, overseas visitor, diagnostic, pharmacy, compensation and insurance billing can differ by situation.

Accessibility, interpreters, wheelchairs and individual support

Canberra Health Services states that everyone is welcome and equal, and patients can ask for help or support so they can arrive safely and receive care that meets their needs.

Support need Available help
Access needs Tell your clinician or care team, or record access needs directly in MyDHR under Questionnaires > Disability and Access Needs.
Wheelchairs Wheelchairs are available from hospital main entrances and receptions. Every ward and department has wheelchairs.
Accessible toilets Accessible toilets are available throughout Canberra Health Services hospitals and health centre buildings.
Lifts There are lifts to every ward and clinic. Specialist lifts and hoists may be arranged if needed.
Braille and low vision support Many directory signs have braille, and many lifts have voice announcements and braille lift buttons.
Guide, audio and therapy dogs Guide dogs, audio dogs and therapy dogs are welcomed. Ask staff if help is needed with water or toileting access.
Hearing loops Hearing loops are available in some locations. Ask reception or your care team if you have trouble using one.
Interpreter Professional accredited interpreting and translating services are available through TIS. Call 131 450 or ask staff to arrange an interpreter.
Auslan interpreter Auslan interpreters are available for Deaf and hard of hearing patients. Let staff know before or during your appointment.
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander support Tell the care team if you or family members are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander so culturally suitable support can be planned.

Facilities, toilets, cafés, ATMs and visitor amenities

Canberra Hospital has practical facilities across the campus for patients, carers and visitors. If you are unfamiliar with the hospital, start at Main Reception in Building 5, Level 2.

Facility Where or what to know
Main Reception Building 5, Level 2, street level, along Hospital Road. Staff can help with directions.
Shops and cafés Canberra Hospital has shops, cafés and a children’s play area. Building 5 also includes cafés and visitor/waiting lounges.
Accessible public toilets Located in Main Reception in Building 5 and in the Building 2 foyer, both on Level 2 street level.
Changing Places toilet Located in Main Reception in Building 5. This is a larger accessible toilet facility with extra features and space for people with disability and carers.
Other public toilets Available on each floor of Building 1 near lifts, each floor of Building 5, the Emergency Department, Building 2 Level 3, near Central Outpatients and Fracture Clinic, Building 3, and Building 19.
Breastfeeding Canberra Hospital is an accredited Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace, and breastfeeding is welcome anywhere.
ATMs Two ATMs are located in the Building 2 foyer, Level 2, street level. Bank fees may apply.
Free period products Free period products are supplied at this health service and can be found in gender-neutral public bathrooms or women’s bathrooms where gender-neutral bathrooms are not available.

Appointment checklist: documents, Medicare card and medicines

Always follow the instructions in your appointment letter, SMS, booking confirmation or pre-admission call. Bring items that help staff confirm your identity, referral, medicine list, billing status and access needs.

Documents and cards

  • Appointment letter, SMS or booking confirmation
  • Medicare card
  • Photo ID
  • GP or specialist referral details
  • DVA card if relevant
  • Private health insurance details if relevant
  • Asylum seeker documents if relevant
  • Compensation claim details, insurer details or solicitor details if relevant
  • Overseas visitor or reciprocal healthcare documents if relevant
  • Recent scans, pathology results, reports or hospital discharge summaries if requested

Health and personal items

  • Current medication list and medicines
  • Allergy information
  • Glasses, dentures, hearing aids, mobility aids or communication aids
  • Comfortable clothing and footwear
  • Phone charger for longer visits
  • Water bottle if appropriate
  • Support person’s contact details
  • Questions you want to ask the doctor, nurse or clinic team

MyDHR and appointment information

MyDHR is the ACT Digital Health Record patient portal. Patients may use MyDHR for some appointment and health record functions, including recording access needs and cancelling or managing some appointments when available.

  • Use MyDHR if your appointment or access-needs questionnaire is available there.
  • To record access needs, log in to MyDHR, open the menu, select “Questionnaires”, then “Disability and Access Needs”.
  • Access needs can be updated over time and can follow you across Canberra Health Services.
  • If MyDHR does not show what you need, call the clinic or use the contact details in your appointment letter.

Mental health crisis contact and non-emergency options

For life-threatening danger, call 000. For urgent mental health concerns that are not immediately life-threatening, Canberra Health Services provides Access Mental Health.

Need Contact or next step
Life-threatening mental health emergency Call 000 or go to an Emergency Department.
Access Mental Health 1800 629 354 or (02) 6205 1065, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Not sure what care you need Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for nurse advice, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Non-life-threatening injury or illness Consider an ACT Walk-in Centre, GP, CALMS, healthdirect or other urgent care option depending on symptoms.

Patient rights, feedback and complaints

Canberra Health Services supports the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights. Patients and consumers are entitled to access, safety, respect, partnership, information, privacy and the ability to give feedback.

Your rights include

  • Access
  • Safety
  • Respect
  • Partnership
  • Information
  • Privacy
  • Giving feedback

Practical feedback steps

  • Raise urgent care concerns with the ward, clinic or nurse in charge first.
  • Write down dates, times, ward/clinic names and staff roles if you need to follow up.
  • Use the official feedback form for comments, compliments or complaints.
  • Ask for interpreter or access support if it affects communication.

Questions to ask before visiting Canberra Hospital

Use this call script to avoid arriving at the wrong entrance, missing a referral requirement or facing an unexpected billing issue.

  • “Which building, entrance and level should I use for this appointment?”
  • “Is my appointment at Central Outpatients, Building 15, Building 5 or another building?”
  • “Do I need a current GP or specialist referral?”
  • “Has my referral been triaged and am I on the waiting list?”
  • “Can this appointment be telephone or telehealth?”
  • “Do I need to bring scans, pathology results or medication lists?”
  • “Will there be any cost if I have Medicare, DVA, private insurance or overseas visitor status?”
  • “Which car park is best for this clinic, and is accessible parking nearby?”
  • “Can the courtesy bus help me get from the car park or bus stop?”
  • “Can you arrange an interpreter, Auslan interpreter, wheelchair, access support or Aboriginal liaison support?”

Canberra Hospital FAQs

What is the address of Canberra Hospital?

Canberra Hospital is located on Yamba Drive, Garran ACT 2605, Australia. The hospital campus is on the corner of Yamba Drive and Hindmarsh Drive in Canberra’s Woden Valley.

What is the main phone number for Canberra Hospital?

The main Canberra Hospital switchboard number is (02) 5124 0000. International callers can call +61 2 5124 0000.

Where is the Canberra Hospital Emergency Department?

The Canberra Hospital Emergency Department is in Building 5 on Hospital Road, Garran ACT 2605, near the main hospital entrance. Look for the large EMERGENCY sign.

Does Canberra Hospital have free parking?

Yes. Canberra Hospital provides free onsite parking for patients, visitors and staff. The Southern multistorey car park offers free 3-hour parking and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Which car park is closest to Building 5 at Canberra Hospital?

The Southern multistorey car park on Bateson Road is the closest major car park to Building 5 and the Emergency Department area.

How do I make an outpatient appointment at Canberra Hospital?

In most cases, your GP sends a referral directly to Canberra Health Services. Clinicians triage the referral, then you and your GP receive a letter confirming the waiting list status. You are contacted when an appointment is available.

What is the Central Health Intake number for Canberra Hospital outpatient services?

For select Canberra Hospital Central Outpatient services, call Central Health Intake on (02) 5124 2415, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding public holidays. Both CHI phone lines close at 3:30pm every Wednesday.

How do I cancel or reschedule a Canberra Hospital appointment?

Give at least 72 hours’ notice if possible. You may be able to cancel through MyDHR, call the clinic directly using the details in your appointment letter, or use the outpatient cancellation form for Canberra Hospital clinics.

Will I pay for outpatient care at Canberra Hospital?

If you receive outpatient treatment as a public patient, you generally do not pay if you have a Medicare card, DVA card or are an asylum seeker. You may still pay for some medicines, equipment, diagnostic tests or overseas visitor charges depending on your situation.

Does Canberra Hospital provide interpreter or disability access support?

Yes. Canberra Health Services provides interpreter support through TIS, Auslan interpreter support, wheelchairs, accessible toilets, lifts to wards and clinics, and the option to record access needs in MyDHR or through your care team.

Source and update note

This guide is based on official Canberra Health Services and ACT Government information for Canberra Hospital contact details, locations, Building 5, Emergency Department access, appointments, outpatient fees, parking, courtesy bus, accessibility, interpreter support, facilities and patient rights. Phone numbers, clinic locations, parking access, referral rules, service availability and appointment processes can change, so always confirm directly with Canberra Health Services before travelling or making care decisions.

This page is an informational hospital guide only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.

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