Northern Hospital Epping emergency, specialist clinics, parking and visitor guide
Northern Hospital Epping is a major public hospital at 185 Cooper Street, Epping VIC 3076. This page is built for patients, carers and visitors who need practical details before calling, attending Emergency, visiting a ward, going to a Specialist Clinic, using maternity services, parking, paying an invoice or finding a department inside the hospital.
Use the sections below to check the main phone number, appointment and referral steps, Emergency Department triage, visiting hours, parking fees, concession parking, bus routes, map shortcuts, maternity contacts, pharmacy hours, Medicare-ineligible cost notes, My Health Record information and official action links.
Fast action box: address, phone, Emergency, clinics and patient help
Specialist Clinics
Appointments and enquiries
Use for Specialist Outpatient Clinic enquiries and rescheduling support.
Maternity concern
Maternity Assessment Clinic
Call first if in labour or worried during pregnancy.
| Need | Best contact / action | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | Call 000 | Use this for chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, major trauma, severe bleeding, poisoning, seizure or severe allergic reaction. |
| Main hospital switchboard | (03) 8405 8000 | Ask for Emergency, a ward, Specialist Clinics, maternity, pharmacy, cashier, Patient Liaison, interpreter support or the relevant department. |
| Emergency Department | Attend Northern Hospital Epping, 185 Cooper Street | ED treats adults and children 24 hours a day. Patients are triaged by urgency, not arrival order. |
| Specialist Outpatient Clinics | (03) 8405 8335 | Use for outpatient clinic enquiries. A GP or healthcare professional referral is needed for Specialist Clinics access. |
| Pregnancy / labour concern | (03) 8405 2277 | Call the Maternity Assessment Clinic before coming to hospital if you are in labour or have concerns. |
| Maternity Unit | (03) 8405 8206 | Use for maternity unit-related contact when directed by Northern Health. |
| Pregnancy Care Clinics | (03) 8405 8772 SpecialistClinics@nh.org.au | Useful for antenatal clinic-related enquiries, not urgent labour concerns. |
| Private health insurance / patient liaison billing | (03) 8405 2065 NHS-PatientLiaisonOffice@nh.org.au | Patient Liaison Officer team operates Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm. |
| Cashier / invoice payment | (03) 8405 8570 | Northern Hospital Epping cashier: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:30pm. |
| Pharmacy | General: (03) 8405 8562 Dispensing: (03) 8405 8571 / (03) 8405 8566 | Located along the ground-floor main corridor near the Specialist Clinic area. |
| Interpreter support | Ask staff or call TIS on 131 450 | Northern Health advises patients who need an interpreter to speak to staff or call through TIS. |
| REACH patient safety escalation | 1800 897 216 | Use only after speaking with the nurse and requesting clinical review if you are still worried the patient is getting worse. |
Northern Hospital Epping map, main entry and wayfinding shortcuts
Northern Hospital Epping is at 185 Cooper Street, Epping VIC 3076. Use the main entry and reception for general hospital access, Specialist Clinic directions, ward enquiries, cashier access and wheelchair help. For a serious emergency, follow Emergency Department signage or call 000.
Wayfinding PDF: useful department locations
| Hospital area | Map location | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | D8 | Use for urgent or emergency care. Call 000 for life-threatening symptoms. |
| Short Stay Unit | C10 | Short-stay treatment/observation area. |
| Medical Imaging CT | E9 | Use if your appointment or ED care includes CT imaging. |
| MRI | F8 | Confirm appointment, preparation and arrival time before attending. |
| Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, X-Ray | E9 | Bring referral/request forms and Medicare/insurance details if required. |
| Specialist Clinic A | G12 | Use your appointment letter because clinic desk letters matter. |
| Specialist Clinic B | G11 | Arrive early if parking, interpreter or mobility help is needed. |
| Specialist Clinic C | G11 | Bring referral, medicines and any test results requested. |
| Specialist Clinic D | H12 | Confirm rescheduling instructions if you cannot attend. |
| Specialist Clinic G | H10 | Follow clinic letter and reception instructions. |
| Ward 10 Birthing Suite | S13 | For labour/birthing pathway when advised by maternity staff. |
| Ward 11 Maternity | S12 | For maternity ward access after directions from staff. |
| Ward 12 Neonatal | T13 | Visitor rules and access can differ; confirm with ward staff. |
| Ward 17 ICU | O5 | Visiting hours and rules can be more restricted. |
| Ward 23 Mental Health | D13 | Visitor access is listed differently from general hospital hours. |
| Cashier | E10 | Use for invoice/payment help during cashier hours. |
| Pharmacy | G10 | Located near the Specialist Clinic area on the ground-floor main corridor. |
| Aboriginal Support Unit Lounge | C4 | Ask staff if you need Aboriginal Liaison Officer support. |
| Transcultural and Language Services | F15 | Relevant for interpreter and language support. |
| Allied Health | G13 | Includes hand therapy, nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, social work, speech pathology and stomal therapy. |
Emergency Department: adults, children, triage and Virtual ED option
What Northern Hospital ED provides
- Immediate medical care for adults and children with serious or life-threatening conditions.
- 24-hour Emergency Department care, 7 days a week.
- Triage on arrival by a specialist nurse.
- Priority based on clinical urgency, not order of arrival.
- Access to diagnostic tests and procedures when needed for assessment and treatment.
- Care from doctors, nurses and allied health professionals trained for urgent health issues.
What to expect on arrival
- Go to the Emergency Department or call 000 if unsafe to transport.
- Register and speak to triage staff.
- Tell triage if symptoms are worsening while waiting.
- Expect more serious cases to be seen first.
- Bring Medicare card, medicines list and key health information if safe to do so.
- Do not leave after triage without telling staff.
Urgent-care decision table
| Situation | Best action |
|---|---|
| Chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms, collapse, major injury, severe bleeding, poisoning or severe allergic reaction | Call 000 immediately. |
| Serious illness or injury needing urgent in-person hospital care | Attend Northern Hospital Epping Emergency Department. |
| Non-life-threatening urgent condition and video assessment may be suitable | Use the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department if appropriate. |
| Mental health crisis or immediate danger | Call 000 if there is immediate risk. Ask Northern Health switchboard for Emergency Mental Health if already at hospital. |
| Pregnancy concern after 20 weeks but not immediately life-threatening | Call Maternity Assessment Clinic on (03) 8405 2277 first unless it is an emergency. |
Specialist Clinics appointments, referrals and rescheduling steps
Northern Health Specialist Clinics use statewide prioritisation policies so patients with the highest clinical need are seen first. A referral from a GP or another healthcare professional is required before you can access Specialist Clinics.
If you need a first Specialist Clinic appointment
- Ask your GP or healthcare professional to send a referral to Northern Health.
- Northern Health will notify you and your GP when the referral is received.
- A clinician reviews the referral for required information and urgency.
- You and your GP are told the outcome by SMS, email or letter.
- If accepted, you may receive an appointment or be placed on a planned appointment list.
- Northern Health says it aims to see urgent referrals within 30 days.
If you need to ask, change or reschedule
- Call Specialist Outpatient Clinics on (03) 8405 8335.
- Use your appointment letter if it lists a direct clinic contact.
- Have your name, date of birth, Medicare number and clinic name ready.
- Explain whether you are cancelling, changing date, asking about waitlist or updating contact details.
- Do not miss the appointment without contacting the clinic because it can affect future booking.
Appointment checklist before you travel
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Clinic name and desk | The wayfinding map lists Specialist Clinic A, B, C, D and G in different map areas. |
| Referral status | If more information is needed, Northern Health will contact your GP. |
| Appointment type | Ask whether it is face-to-face, phone, telehealth or a test/procedure appointment. |
| Tests or imaging | Bring scans, reports, pathology results or imaging request forms if requested. |
| Medicines | Bring a current medication list, including doses and allergies. |
| Interpreter | Ask ahead or speak to staff if you need interpreting support. |
| Costs | Medicare-ineligible patients and some private/insurance pathways should confirm likely charges before attending. |
Maternity, pregnancy care, birthing suite and what to bring
Northern Health provides maternity care across Northern Hospital Epping and Craigieburn Community Hospital. The Northern Hospital Epping birthing suite, maternity ward, neonatal ward and Maternity Assessment Centre are on the official wayfinding map.
Pregnancy concern or labour steps
- If you are in labour or worried, call the Maternity Assessment Clinic on (03) 8405 2277 before coming to hospital.
- Staff will advise whether to attend the Maternity Assessment Clinic or Birthing Suite.
- The Maternity Assessment Centre is a day unit for women from 20 weeks gestation.
- MAC operates 9:00am to 5:00pm, seven days a week.
- Outside MAC hours, pregnancy concerns are seen through the birthing suites on Level 1 at Northern Hospital Epping.
- Call 000 if it is an emergency.
Pregnancy care clinic steps
- Ask your GP to refer early in pregnancy.
- Northern Health asks health professionals to aim to send pregnancy care referrals by 10 weeks gestation.
- Northern Health aims to complete routine booking visits by 11-13 weeks gestation.
- Care options can include Team Maternity Care or Shared Maternity Care.
- Shared Maternity Care means you see both your GP and Northern Health during pregnancy.
Maternity contacts and locations
| Need | Contact / location | Useful detail |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity Assessment Clinic | (03) 8405 2277 | Call first if in labour or worried. MAC is on Level 1. |
| Maternity Unit | (03) 8405 8206 | Contact listed by Northern Health for the maternity unit. |
| Pregnancy Care Clinics | (03) 8405 8772 SpecialistClinics@nh.org.au | For antenatal clinic-related enquiries. |
| GP Liaison Midwife / Shared Care | 0481 222 508 maternitysharedcare@nh.org.au | Not for patient results or appointment changes. |
| Lactation Consultant | (03) 8405 8202 | Lactation support is available during pregnancy and after birth when extra support is needed. |
| Ward 10 Birthing Suite | S13 on wayfinding map | Birth-related hospital area. |
| Ward 11 Maternity | S12 on wayfinding map | Maternity ward. |
| Ward 12 Neonatal | T13 on wayfinding map | Neonatal care area. |
What to pack for birth
| For mother | For baby | Important reminder |
|---|---|---|
| Water bottle, nightie or old T-shirt for birthing suite, day clothes, night clothes, dressing gown, slippers/thongs, super maternity pads, toiletries, maternity bras and breast pads. | Cotton balls or baby wipes, disposable newborn nappies, baby clothes and singlets for 3-4 days, bibs, booties/socks/mittens, blankets or wraps. | Pack about four weeks before due date. Do not bring valuables, sentimental items or large sums of money. |
Visiting hours, ward exceptions and before-you-visit checks
| Area | Visiting guidance | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| General Northern Health visiting | 8:00am to 8:00pm, seven days a week. | Confirm with the ward if the patient is in isolation, high-dependency care or a restricted area. |
| Maternity | 2:00pm to 8:00pm. | Partner/support person arrangements may differ; ask maternity staff. |
| Ward 8 and Ward 23 | 12:00pm to 8:00pm. | Ward 23 is mental health on the wayfinding map. |
| ICU | 12:00pm to 8:00pm. | ICU visitor access can change depending on patient condition and unit safety. |
| Emergency Department | Only one visitor at a time is granted access unless compassionate reasons apply and the Nurse in Charge approves. | Ask the Nurse in Charge through switchboard before visiting if unsure. |
Northern Hospital Epping parking fees, concession parking and drop-off
Northern Health lists parking fees for Northern Hospital Epping and provides concession instructions. Fees can change, so use the hospital page or car park office if payment matters for your visit.
Parking rates
| Parking duration | Rate |
|---|---|
| 0-20 minutes | Free |
| 20 minutes-1 hour | $8.00 |
| 1-2 hours | $15.00 |
| 2-3 hours | $17.00 |
| 3-4 hours | $20.00 |
| 4-5 hours | $22.00 |
| 5+ hours | $25.00 |
| Maximum daily charge | $25.00 |
| Lost ticket | $25.00 |
| Concession and pension | $8.00 |
Concession and accessibility steps
| Need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Concession parking | Before leaving, show your ticket and concession card at the Car Park Office between 10:00am and 6:00pm, or at Reception outside Car Park Office hours. |
| Financial hardship | Northern Health says concession parking rates may be available for people who can demonstrate financial hardship. Talk to your healthcare team at the hospital. |
| Disabled parking | Disabled parking bays are available at the front of the car park. |
| Drop-off points | Drop-off points are available at the main entrance. |
| Wheelchair help | Wheelchairs can be borrowed from Reception if required. |
Bus routes and amenities
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Bus routes stopping out front | 358, 555, 556, 577, 569 and 901. |
| Henry’s Café | Monday-Friday 7:00am-6:00pm; weekends 7:30am-5:00pm. |
| Chapel | Located at E10 on the hospital wayfinding map. |
| Pharmacy | Located at G10 on the hospital wayfinding map and near the Specialist Clinic area. |
| Cashier | Located at E10 on the wayfinding map; Northern Hospital cashier hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm. |
Departments, services and patient care areas
Northern Health groups services across aged care, allied health and rehabilitation, cancer/support, diagnostic and clinical support, emergency and urgent care, surgery/procedures, medical specialties, mental health, patient/family services and women, newborn and children’s health.
| Care area | Useful details for patients | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Department | 24/7 care for adults and children with serious illness or injury. Triage decides clinical priority. | Call 000 for life-threatening symptoms. |
| Specialist Outpatient Clinics | Clinic A, B, C, D and G are listed on the map. Referrals are reviewed by clinical need. | Referral status, appointment type and clinic desk. |
| Maternity and pregnancy care | Pregnancy care clinics, Maternity Assessment Clinic, Birthing Suite, Maternity Ward and Neonatal Ward are linked to Northern Hospital Epping. | Call MAC before attending for labour or pregnancy concerns. |
| Medical Imaging | CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound and X-Ray are listed on the wayfinding map. | Referral, booking, preparation, costs and arrival time. |
| Cardiology | Cardiology and Cardiac Catheter Laboratory are listed on the map. | Procedure instructions, fasting and clinic location. |
| Oncology and Medical Day Unit | Listed on the wayfinding map at C3. | Appointment time, treatment plan and parking needs. |
| Dialysis / renal | In Centre Dialysis Unit, Inpatient Dialysis Unit and Renal Services are listed. | Regular attendance schedule and parking support. |
| ICU | Ward 17 ICU is listed at O5. | Visitor rules and timing directly with staff. |
| Mental health | Ward 7, Ward 8 and Ward 23 mental health areas are listed; Emergency Mental Health Team is at Northern Hospital. | Visitor rules and crisis pathway. |
| Allied Health | Hand therapy, nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry high-risk foot service, social work, speech pathology and stomal therapy are listed at G13. | Referral and appointment location. |
| Pharmacy | Open Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm and weekends/public holidays 9:00am-1:00pm. | Discharge medication invoice and payment options. |
Billing, Medicare-ineligible patients, private insurance and pharmacy invoices
Private insurance help
The Northern Health Patient Liaison Officer team helps confirm eligibility to use private health insurance for admission. Contact (03) 8405 2065 or NHS-PatientLiaisonOffice@nh.org.au. Hours are Monday to Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm.
Invoices and cashier
Invoices can usually be paid using instructions on the invoice, including internet, phone banking, BPAY or in-person payment. Northern Hospital Epping cashier is open Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm. Cashier phone: (03) 8405 8570.
Pharmacy charges
Medication given during a hospital stay is free of charge, but medicines given on discharge to take home are charged. An invoice is placed in the medication bag.
Medicare-ineligible patients
Patients without valid Australian health cover or guaranteed payment may need to pay the full cost of admission and treatment. Overseas travel insurance patients may need to pay first and claim reimbursement later.
Selected Medicare-ineligible cost guide
| Service | Cost listed by Northern Health from 1 July 2024 |
|---|---|
| Emergency Attendance | $650 per visit |
| UCC Kilmore Attendance | $550 per visit |
| VVED Attendance | $500 per visit |
| Outpatient consultation / telehealth consultation | $400 per visit |
| Allied Health consultation | $220 per visit |
| Interpreter fee | $170 per visit |
| Pharmaceutical services | Full cost |
| Medical fees including anaesthetics | Full cost |
| Radiology and pathology | Full cost |
Information Medicare-ineligible patients may be asked for
- Passport and visa details
- Upfront payment for service
- Contact details during stay in Australia
- Overseas residential contact details
- Relevant health insurance policy details
- Evidence of immigration status, citizenship, interim Medicare card or recognised asylum support agency letter where relevant
My Health Record, patient information and safety escalation
My Health Record
- Northern Health clinicians can access My Health Record.
- Northern Health may upload specific documents from your medical record using an implied consent model.
- If you do not want Northern Health to upload information, tell your health carers during admission.
- You can manage access controls through My Health Record.
- Northern Pathology Victoria cannot upload all pathology reports during its extension period due to limitations.
REACH escalation steps
- Speak to your nurse and explain your concern.
- If still worried, ask for a clinical review. Northern Health says this should occur within 30 minutes.
- If a doctor has seen the patient and you are still worried, call Northern Hospital Epping REACH on 1800 897 216.
- State the patient’s name, ward, bed number, your relationship and that you need a REACH call.
Feedback, complaints and interpreter support
| Need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Compliment, suggestion or concern | Use Northern Health’s feedback form. It allows you to select Northern Hospital and say whether you attended Emergency, surgery, outpatient clinic, maternity ward, mental health or another service. |
| Need interpreter on feedback form | The feedback form lets you tick that you require an interpreter and enter the language needed. |
| Need Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Hospital Liaison Officer | The feedback form lets you request this support. |
| Need interpreter during care | Ask a staff member or call through TIS on 131 450. |
| Urgent safety concern | Do not wait for a feedback form; tell staff immediately, request clinical review or use REACH if the process has not resolved your concern. |
What to bring to Northern Hospital Epping
For appointments or admissions
- Appointment letter, SMS, email or admission paperwork
- Medicare card
- Photo ID
- GP or specialist referral if required
- Private health insurance details if relevant
- Concession card, TAC, WorkCover or DVA details if relevant
- Current medicines, medication list and allergy information
- Recent pathology, scans, X-rays or reports if requested
- Phone charger and car park payment method
For longer stays
- Comfortable clothes and footwear
- Toiletries and personal hygiene items
- Glasses, hearing aids, dentures and storage cases
- Mobility aids if normally used
- Support person/carer contact details
- Do not bring large amounts of cash or valuables.
Official Northern Hospital links for action
Northern Hospital FAQs
What is the address of Northern Hospital Epping?
Northern Hospital Epping is located at 185 Cooper Street, Epping VIC 3076, Australia.
What is the main phone number for Northern Hospital Epping?
The main phone number for Northern Hospital Epping is (03) 8405 8000.
Does Northern Hospital Epping have a 24-hour Emergency Department?
Yes. Northern Hospital Epping Emergency Department treats adults and children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For life-threatening emergencies, call 000.
How do I contact Northern Health Specialist Outpatient Clinics?
Call Specialist Outpatient Clinics on (03) 8405 8335. A referral from your GP or another healthcare professional is needed to access Specialist Clinics.
How are Specialist Clinic referrals handled at Northern Health?
Northern Health sends confirmation when a referral is received, a clinician reviews the referral, and patients are told the outcome by SMS, email or letter. Urgent referrals are aimed to be seen within 30 days.
What are the visiting hours at Northern Hospital Epping?
General visiting hours are 8:00am to 8:00pm daily. Maternity is 2:00pm to 8:00pm, Ward 8 and Ward 23 are 12:00pm to 8:00pm, and ICU is 12:00pm to 8:00pm.
How much is parking at Northern Hospital Epping?
Parking is free for 0 to 20 minutes, then $8 for 20 minutes to 1 hour, $15 for 1 to 2 hours, $17 for 2 to 3 hours, $20 for 3 to 4 hours, $22 for 4 to 5 hours, and $25 for 5+ hours or the daily maximum.
Can I get concession parking at Northern Hospital Epping?
Yes. Concession and pension parking is listed as $8. Show your ticket and concession card at the Car Park Office from 10:00am to 6:00pm or at Reception outside those hours.
Who should I call if I am in labour or worried during pregnancy?
Call the Maternity Assessment Clinic on (03) 8405 2277 before coming to Northern Hospital. Call 000 if it is an emergency.
What is the REACH number for Northern Hospital Epping?
The REACH number for Northern Hospital Epping is 1800 897 216. Use it after speaking to the nurse and requesting a clinical review if you remain worried that a patient is getting worse.
Source and update note
This guide is based on official Northern Health, Northern Hospital Epping, Healthdirect and official Northern Health PDF information for contact details, Emergency Department care, Specialist Clinics, referrals, maternity care, parking, visiting hours, wayfinding map, billing, Medicare-ineligible fees, pharmacy, My Health Record, interpreter support, REACH escalation and feedback.
Hospital phone numbers, visitor rules, parking rates, clinic processes, maternity instructions, service locations and patient cost information can change. Confirm urgent or personal details directly with Northern Health before travelling or making care decisions.
This page is an informational hospital guide only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.