Emergency entrance, outpatient clinics, surgery, maternity, parking and visitor guide
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital is a major metropolitan teaching hospital on Palmerston Road in Hornsby, NSW. It serves patients across the Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai area with 24-hour emergency care, maternity, paediatrics, surgery, rehabilitation, intensive care, coronary care, mental health, outpatients and community-linked services.
This guide is built for patients, carers and visitors who need practical answers before travelling: address, phone number, Emergency access, outpatient appointment pathway, pre-admission steps, maternity referrals, parking fees, concession parking, public transport, visiting hours, interpreter help and what to bring.
Fast contact: address, phone, Emergency and appointment actions
Main hospital
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital
Palmerston Road, Hornsby NSW 2077
Healthdirect address: 36-76 Palmerston Road, Hornsby NSW 2077
Phone: 02 9477 9123
Emergency Department
Open 24 hours.
Use Palmerston Road from Edgeworth David Avenue.
The Emergency entrance is just after the Burdett Street intersection on the right.
Outpatients and surgery
Outpatients general enquiry: 02 9477 9123
Preadmission Clinic: 02 9485 6348
Day Surgery Unit: 02 9485 6440
| User need | Best action | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | Call 000 | Use this for chest pain, stroke symptoms, major trauma, collapse, severe breathing difficulty, severe bleeding, poisoning or severe allergic reaction. |
| Attend Emergency | Go to Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital Emergency Department | Emergency is open 24 hours and Healthdirect lists no appointment needed. |
| General hospital enquiry | 02 9477 9123 | Ask for the ward, Emergency, Outpatients, maternity, admissions, pre-admission, social work, interpreter service or patient representative. |
| Feedback or complaint | 02 9485 6362 | The Patient Representative Officer is available Monday to Friday during business hours. |
| Outpatient appointment | Use the clinic number or call switchboard | Outpatients are usually referral-based. Bring your appointment letter, referral and Medicare/DVA card. |
| Day surgery time | Wait for nurse call the day before procedure | If no call by 4:00pm, call 02 9485 6440 after 4:00pm and before 7:00pm. |
| Feeling unwell before surgery | Call your doctor or Perioperative Unit | Perioperative Unit / nurse screener phone: 02 9485 6346. |
| Maternity outpatient booking | Call 02 9485 6699 | GP referral is required. Booking-in appointment is usually aimed around 14 weeks pregnant. |
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital map, entrances and campus arrival tips
The hospital is on Palmerston Road, Hornsby NSW 2077. Healthdirect lists the full hospital address as Hornsby Hospital, 36-76 Palmerston Road, Hornsby NSW 2077. For driving, turn onto Palmerston Road from Edgeworth David Avenue.
| Arrival point | Use it for | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency entrance | Emergency Department | On Palmerston Road, just after the Burdett Street intersection on the right when coming from Edgeworth David Avenue. |
| Multi-storey car park | Most hospital areas | Further along Palmerston Road after the Northcott Road junction. Located at Gate 2 and provides access across the campus. |
| Admissions / Day Surgery | Planned surgery and pre-admission appointment | Level 2, STAR Building. Day surgery page lists a convenient driveway drop-off via Gate 9, Burdett Street. |
| Maternity Outpatients | Pregnancy booking and maternity clinics | Level 2, Building 50, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital. |
| Outpatients | Medical, allied health and nursing outpatient clinics | Outpatient services are spread across Building 60, Building 61, Building 14, Building 50 and Building 56 depending on clinic. |
Emergency Department: hours, access and when to call 000
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital Emergency Department is listed by Healthdirect as open 24 hours, with no appointment needed. Emergency patients are assessed by urgency, so the sickest patients are treated first.
| Emergency status | Open 24 hours. |
|---|---|
| Emergency phone / switchboard | 02 9477 9123 |
| Appointment needed? | No appointment is needed for Emergency Department care. |
| Access | Emergency entrance is on Palmerston Road after the Burdett Street intersection. |
| Billing note | Healthdirect lists public hospital services and notes details may vary. Bring your Medicare card, DVA card or relevant insurance/claim details if safe to do so. |
| Emergency wait time | For general planning only, NSW Health publishes emergency waiting information for NSW hospitals. For serious symptoms, call 000 instead of checking online wait times. |
What to bring if it is safe
- Medicare card, DVA card or health fund details if relevant.
- Photo ID.
- Current medicines or medication list.
- Allergy information.
- Recent discharge letter, scans, test results or specialist letters if relevant.
- Phone charger and support person contact.
- For children, bring key child health records if available.
Outpatient appointments, referrals and clinic locations
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital offers medical, allied health and nursing outpatient services. The official Outpatient Services page says to check the relevant clinic page for eligibility, referral and contact details, and to call the HKH switchboard on 02 9477 9123 for general enquiries.
How appointments usually work
- Your GP, specialist or hospital team sends a referral when required.
- The clinic checks eligibility and triages the referral.
- You receive appointment details when a clinic time is available.
- Use the number on your appointment letter first for changes or cancellations.
- Call switchboard if you do not know the clinic number.
Bring to outpatient appointment
- Appointment letter or SMS.
- Referral letter if you have a copy.
- Medicare or DVA card.
- Current medicines and allergy list.
- Relevant blood tests, imaging, discharge summary or reports.
- Interpreter or mobility need details, if required.
Outpatient clinic areas by building
| Building | Official outpatient services listed | Best patient action |
|---|---|---|
| Building 60 | Aged care rehabilitation, 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, adult/paediatric occupational therapy, orthopaedic fracture clinic, paediatric acute review, paediatric medical clinic, HITH, Parkinson’s clinics, physiotherapy, psychogeriatrics, spasticity, speech pathology, stomal therapy, surgical follow-up, TB chest and urology. | Check the specific clinic page or letter for referral rules, level, desk and phone number. |
| Building 61 | Renal dialysis, chemotherapy unit and haematology services. | Confirm referral, appointment time and treatment preparation with the unit. |
| Building 14 | Diabetes education, adult and paediatric nutrition/dietetics, podiatry/high-risk foot service and GP Unit. | Bring referral and any blood glucose, medicine or foot-care information requested. |
| Building 50 | Maternity/antenatal/pre-natal clinic and gynaecology/early pregnancy assessment clinic. | Use maternity/outpatients referral instructions and call 02 9485 6699 for maternity outpatient enquiries. |
| Building 56 / STAR Building | Pre-Admission Clinic and Day Surgery Unit. | Use surgery instructions, fasting call and pre-admission forms carefully. |
Hospital services, departments and patient care areas
The hospital describes itself as a major metropolitan teaching hospital. Patients can access emergency, maternity, paediatric, surgical, medical, coronary, intensive care, orthopaedic, respiratory, rehabilitation, mental health and outpatient services.
| Service area | What it means for patients | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency care | 24-hour Emergency Department for urgent illness and injury. | Call 000 for life-threatening symptoms. |
| Coronary care | Care for heart-related hospital needs. | Referral, ED pathway or specialist instruction. |
| Intensive care | Higher-level monitoring and treatment for seriously unwell patients. | Visitor arrangements may differ from general wards. |
| Orthopaedics | Orthopaedic fracture clinic, joint replacement preparation and surgery pathways are listed. | Bring imaging and referral details. |
| General medicine and surgery | Hospital medical and surgical care, including day surgery and perioperative pathways. | Admission time, fasting rules and post-procedure transport. |
| Respiratory care | Respiratory and related outpatient/medical services are part of hospital service mix. | Ask clinic if breathing tests or imaging require preparation. |
| Rehabilitation and aged care | Rehabilitation, geriatric assessment, memory clinic and aged-care outpatient services are listed. | Ask whether the appointment is outpatient, inpatient or community-based. |
| Paediatrics | Children’s ward, paediatric medical outpatients, paediatric physiotherapy, occupational therapy and surgical/urology service are listed. | Parents are welcome any time on the children’s ward. |
| Maternity and pregnancy | Maternity outpatients, antenatal clinics, MAPS, MGP, obstetric clinics and related pregnancy services. | GP referral and booking-in timing. |
| Mental health | An acute mental health service is co-located at Hornsby Hospital. | Use urgent mental health or Emergency pathway if risk is immediate. |
| Allied health and community services | Allied health, dental, podiatry, child/adolescent/family health, drug and alcohol, health promotion and aged-care services are listed. | Clinic eligibility and referral rules vary. |
Maternity appointments, pregnancy booking and clinic options
Maternity Services Outpatients is located on Level 2, Building 50. The official maternity outpatient page lists phone 02 9485 6699, opening hours Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm, and states that a GP referral is required.
Maternity Outpatients contact
- General enquiries: 02 9485 6699
- Referral phone: 02 9485 6699
- Referral fax: 02 9485 6065
- Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
- Location: Level 2, Building 50, Palmerston Road, Hornsby
Booking-in timing
- See your GP first after finding out you are pregnant.
- Your GP can arrange early blood tests, scans and referral.
- Hornsby aims to see patients for booking-in around 14 weeks pregnant.
- Call a few weeks before that timing.
- Send GP referral and blood test results before appointment allocation.
Maternity clinic options listed
| Clinic / model | What it is | Useful question |
|---|---|---|
| Midwife Clinic | Midwifery-led antenatal care for suitable pregnancies. | Is my pregnancy suitable for midwifery-led care? |
| Student Midwife Clinic | Care involving a supervised student midwife where available. | Can I choose or decline student involvement? |
| Midwifery Group Practice | Continuity care model with a small group of midwives. | Is MGP available for my catchment and pregnancy needs? |
| MAPS | Maternity Antenatal and Postnatal Service. | Would MAPS suit my care plan? |
| Obstetric Clinics | Doctor-led pregnancy care for people needing obstetric input. | Do I need obstetric clinic because of medical or pregnancy risk? |
| Maternity and Endocrinology Clinic | Care for pregnancy with endocrine/diabetes-related needs. | What tests and diabetes information should I bring? |
| Safestart | Support pathway listed by maternity services. | Ask your GP or midwife if this support is relevant. |
Maternity visiting and postnatal notes
- Hornsby Ku-ring-gai maternity visiting hours are listed as 10:00am-12:00pm and 2:00pm-8:00pm.
- Most booking-in visits happen between 12-14 weeks and may take up to 2 hours.
- After vaginal birth, maternity FAQ says expected hospital stay is usually 1-2 nights.
- After caesarean birth, expected stay is usually 2-3 nights.
- There is no well-baby nursery at Hornsby or Royal North Shore; rooming-in supports bonding and breastfeeding.
- Midwifery in the Home may provide home visits if you live within the hospital catchment area.
Pre-admission, day surgery and planned surgery checklist
The Preadmission Clinic is on Level 2, STAR Building. It prepares people having elective surgery through pre-surgery testing, risk assessment, operation preparation, medication review and medical/anaesthetic review.
| Surgery area | Contact / location | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Preadmission Clinic | Level 2, STAR Building. Phone: 02 9485 6348. Fax: 02 9485 6040. | Open Monday-Friday, 12:00pm-4:30pm. |
| Day Surgery Unit | Level 2, STAR Building. Phone: 02 9485 6440. Fax: 02 9485 6040. | Open Monday-Friday, 6:00am-9:30pm. |
| Admission / Day Surgery arrival | Admissions, Level 2, STAR Building, corner Burdett Street and Derby Road. | Drop-off is available via Gate 9, Burdett Street. |
| Referral / admission form | Recommendation for Admission form from surgeon. | Complete health questionnaire fully before submitting the RFA. It can be submitted by post, in person or faxed to admissions. |
| Day-before surgery call | Hospital calls between 10:00am and 4:00pm. | For Monday admissions, the call happens the Friday before. If no call by 4:00pm, call 02 9485 6440 after 4:00pm and up to 7:00pm. |
| If unwell before surgery | Call your doctor or Perioperative Unit on 02 9485 6346. | Joint replacement patients should call urgently if scratches, cuts, blisters or open wounds occur after pre-admission. |
Before surgery rules from hospital information
- Follow fasting instructions exactly. No eating or drinking includes water, lollies and chewing gum.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before admission.
- Unless told otherwise, continue regular medicines with a sip of water only.
- Tell your doctor if you take arthritis medicine, blood thinners, aspirin or diabetic medicine.
- Shower thoroughly before coming to hospital.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Do not wear nail polish, makeup, jewellery or high-heeled shoes.
- Remove piercings in the area being operated on; tongue and nasal jewellery also require removal.
- If having cataract surgery, wear a shirt with buttons down the front.
After surgery and discharge safety
| After surgery item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Escort home | Arrange a friend or relative to take you home. Taxi is only suitable if another adult accompanies you. |
| Overnight adult | Another adult must stay with you overnight after day surgery. |
| Recovery time | After the operation, recovery usually takes a minimum of 2 hours depending on the operation. |
| Overnight stay discharge | Overnight stays are discharged at 10:00am on discharge day. |
| Next 24 hours | Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, drink alcohol or sign important documents. |
Parking fees, concession parking, disabled parking and public transport
The multi-storey car park at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital is located at Gate 2, Palmerston Road. It provides an extra 500 spaces, bringing total car spaces on campus to almost 780. Parking machines are on Levels 1 and 1A of the multi-storey car park and in the Main Lobby on Level 1, Building 60.
Car park basics
- Multi-storey car park: Gate 2, Palmerston Road.
- Entry route: Palmerston Road from Edgeworth David Avenue.
- Card and PayWave accepted at pay machines and boom gate.
- Disabled parking is available in the multi-storey car park.
- Disabled parking is also available on Lowe and Palmerston Roads, but street parking is limited.
- Display a valid disabled parking permit at all times.
Public transport
- Bus 575 travels to the hospital from Hornsby and Turramurra railway stations.
- The bus picks up and sets down at the front of the hospital on Palmerston Road.
- There are no buses to the hospital from Waitara Station.
- Hornsby Station is about 1.8km away and the walk has hills.
- Waitara Station is about 1.5km away and the walk is reasonably flat.
Normal parking fees
| Parking duration | 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 rates
| Concession item | Official detail |
|---|---|
| Who may be eligible | Mobility Parking Scheme permit holders, Pensioner Concession Card holders, Gold Veterans Affairs Card holders, Health Care Card/Seniors Health Card holders, ongoing cancer treatment patients, long treatment course patients/carers, frequent patients/carers, cardiac rehab attendees, daily dressing outpatients and health promotion education class attendees. |
| 0 to 3 hours | Free |
| 1 day | $6.90, single entry and exit in a 24-hour period |
| 3 day ticket | $13.80, multiple entries/exits over 3 days |
| 7 day ticket | $27.60, multiple entries/exits over 7 days |
| How to claim | Present parking ticket, photo ID and concession card or concession-rate form at a validation point before exiting the car park. |
| Weekday validation points | Building 60 Parking Office 8:00am-4:00pm, Building 60 Outpatients Desk 8:00am-4:30pm, Building 60 Concierge 8:00am-8:00pm, Building 14 GP Clinic, Building 50 Emergency Department front desk. |
| Weekend validation points | Building 60 Concierge 8:00am-8:00pm and Building 50 Emergency Department front desk. |
Visiting hours, children’s ward and rest periods
| Visitor area | Official detail |
|---|---|
| General visiting hours | 10:00am to 8:00pm. |
| Visiting outside general 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. |
| Ward rest period | All wards have a rest period between 12:30pm and 1:30pm daily. |
| Maternity visiting hours | 10:00am-12:00pm and 2:00pm-8:00pm. |
Visitor tips
- Call the ward before visiting if the patient is in intensive care, maternity, paediatrics, mental health or has infection precautions.
- Do not visit if you are unwell or have respiratory/infectious symptoms.
- Keep visits short if the patient is tired or recovering after surgery.
- Ask ward staff before bringing food, flowers or children.
- Use rest periods to give patients time to recover.
Interpreter services, carers centre, accessibility and patient feedback
Interpreter help
- If you need an interpreter to contact a service, call TIS on 131 450.
- Tell the operator in English which language you speak.
- The operator connects you with an interpreter.
- Tell the interpreter the service name and phone number you want to contact.
- TIS is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Carer support
- Hornsby Hospital has a Carers Centre on Level 1, Building 60.
- A Carer Support Officer is onsite during the week.
- Carers can drop in for information and guidance.
- Carer support team phone listed: 02 9462 9488.
- A Changing Place is located next to the Carers Centre for people needing an adult-size change table, hoist and shower facilities.
Feedback and complaints
| Feedback phone | 02 9485 6362 |
|---|---|
| Patient Representative Officer | Available Monday to Friday during business hours. |
| What the Patient Representative Officer can do | Discuss concerns about care and keep you informed about the complaint process and outcome. |
| Outside business hours | Contact the manager on duty. |
What to bring to Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital
For appointments, Emergency or admission
- Medicare card or DVA card.
- Health fund card if relevant.
- Photo ID.
- Appointment letter, SMS or admission paperwork.
- Referral letter from GP/specialist if you have one.
- Current medicines or medication list.
- Allergy list.
- Relevant blood test results, X-rays, ultrasounds and scans.
- Mobility aids, hearing aids, glasses or CPAP if required.
- Phone charger for longer visits.
Do not bring unless needed
- Valuable jewellery.
- Large amounts of cash.
- Unnecessary valuables.
- Items that may be unsafe or difficult to store.
- Food for patients without checking ward/clinic instructions.
Questions to ask before you visit
Appointment and clinic questions
- “Which building, level and desk should I attend?”
- “Do I need a current referral?”
- “Should I bring scans, blood tests or a discharge summary?”
- “Can I change or cancel this appointment?”
- “Is this appointment face-to-face, phone or telehealth?”
- “Do I need interpreter support?”
Parking, surgery and support questions
- “Which gate or car park is closest to my clinic?”
- “Am I eligible for concession parking?”
- “What time should I arrive for surgery?”
- “When will I receive fasting instructions?”
- “Who can collect me after day surgery?”
- “Can I speak with the social worker, carer support team or patient representative?”
Official links for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital information
| Need | Official / useful page |
|---|---|
| Main hospital page | Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital official page |
| Contact details | Contact Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital |
| Emergency / hospital listing | Healthdirect Emergency Department listing |
| Outpatient services | Hornsby outpatient services |
| Pre-admission | Pre-admission information |
| Preadmission Clinic | Preadmission Clinic |
| Day Surgery Unit | Day Surgery Unit |
| Maternity Outpatients | Maternity Services Outpatients |
| Maternity FAQs | NSLHD maternity FAQs |
| Parking | Where to park |
| Visiting hours | Visiting hours |
| Interpreter services | Interpreter services |
| Carer support | Coming into hospital for carers |
| My Surgery Journey | My Surgery Journey |
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital FAQs
What is the address of Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital?
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital is on Palmerston Road, Hornsby NSW 2077. Healthdirect lists the address as Hornsby Hospital, 36-76 Palmerston Road, Hornsby NSW 2077.
What is the main phone number for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital?
The main Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital switchboard phone number is 02 9477 9123.
Is Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital Emergency Department open 24 hours?
Yes. Healthdirect lists Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital Emergency Department as open 24 hours. For life-threatening emergencies, call 000.
Do I need an appointment for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital Emergency Department?
No. Healthdirect lists the Emergency Department as no appointment needed. Emergency patients are assessed and treated according to urgency.
How do I contact Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital Outpatients?
For general outpatient enquiries, call the HKH switchboard on 02 9477 9123. Use the number on your appointment letter first if you need to change or cancel a specific clinic appointment.
Where is the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital Preadmission Clinic?
The Preadmission Clinic is on Level 2, STAR Building, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital. The phone number is 02 9485 6348 and the clinic opens Monday to Friday from 12:00pm to 4:30pm.
How much is parking at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital?
Normal parking fees are first 15 minutes free, $8.30 for 15 minutes to 1 hour, $12.30 for 1 to 2 hours, $16.60 for 2 to 3 hours, $19.30 for 3 to 4 hours, $22.20 for 4 to 5 hours and $24.70 for 5+ hours, with a $24.70 maximum daily fee.
Is concession parking available at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital?
Yes. Eligible patients and carers may access concession parking. Listed concession rates include 0 to 3 hours free, $6.90 for a 1-day ticket, $13.80 for a 3-day ticket and $27.60 for a 7-day ticket.
What are the visiting hours at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital?
General visiting hours are 10:00am to 8:00pm. All wards have a rest period from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. Parents are welcome at any time on the Children’s Ward / Paediatrics.
How do I book maternity care at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital?
See your GP first and ask for a referral. Maternity Outpatients can be contacted on 02 9485 6699. Hornsby aims to see patients for a booking-in appointment around 14 weeks pregnant.
Source and update note
This guide is based on official Northern Sydney Local Health District, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, Healthdirect, NSW Health parking, maternity, surgery, outpatients and visitor information. Hospital contacts, clinic locations, parking fees, concession rules, visiting hours and referral pathways can change, so confirm urgent or personal details directly with Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital before travelling.
This page is an informational hospital guide only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.