RAH Adelaide patient contact, appointment and visitor guide
Royal Adelaide Hospital is South Australia’s flagship public hospital on Port Road in Adelaide. This guide is written for patients, carers and visitors who need fast, practical details before calling, booking, attending an outpatient clinic, visiting the Emergency Department or driving to the hospital.
Below you will find RAH switchboard numbers, outpatient appointment contacts, specialist clinic phone exceptions, Emergency Department location, hospital services, map, official video, parking fees, visitor hours, accessibility support, what to bring and the best questions to ask before you travel.
RAH Adelaide address, phone number and urgent contact
| Hospital name | Royal Adelaide Hospital |
|---|---|
| Main address | Port Road, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia |
| Main switchboard | (08) 7074 0000 |
| Emergency | Call 000. RAH Emergency Department is on Level 2C and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
| Outpatient Call Centre | 1300 153 853 |
| Outpatient referral fax | (08) 7074 6247 |
| Consumer Experience team | (08) 7074 1377, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm |
| Consumer Experience email | HealthCALHNConsumerExperience@sa.gov.au |
| Official website | Royal Adelaide Hospital official website |
Royal Adelaide Hospital map, location and entrance planning
The Royal Adelaide Hospital is located on Port Road, Adelaide SA 5000. For most visitors and patients, the main public arrival area is Level 3, ground level. If you are attending Emergency, follow the Emergency Department signs to Level 2C.
Map tip: service locations inside the hospital can change. Check your appointment letter, level number and clinic reception point before you travel.
Royal Adelaide Hospital official video overview
This official SA Health video introduces the Royal Adelaide Hospital as a major South Australian facility and gives visitors a quick overview of the hospital environment before attending.
Before you go: which RAH contact should you use?
| Situation | Use this contact or action | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | Call 000 | Do not drive yourself if ambulance care is needed. |
| Adult emergency presentation | RAH Emergency Department, Level 2C | Patients are seen by clinical priority, not arrival time. |
| General hospital enquiry | (08) 7074 0000 | Ask for the ward, department, clinic or inpatient by name if you know it. |
| Change or cancel outpatient appointment | 1300 153 853 | Some clinics have direct numbers; see the table below. |
| Feedback, complaint or compliment | (08) 7074 1377 | Consumer Experience team is available 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday. |
| Not sure if it is emergency | Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 | For urgent serious symptoms, call 000 instead. |
Emergency Department at Level 2C: what patients should know
The Royal Adelaide Hospital Emergency Department is on Level 2C, close to Port Road and the underground car parks. It is one level below the main Level 3 entrance. Follow the red signs from inside the hospital, Port Road and car park areas.
Emergency opening hours
The ED is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It treats adults with urgent, serious, complex or undifferentiated medical problems.
Major trauma role
RAH is one of South Australia’s adult major trauma services and is described by the hospital as the complex medical and multi-trauma destination for the state.
| Emergency detail | RAH patient information |
|---|---|
| Location | Level 2C, Royal Adelaide Hospital |
| Referral needed? | No referral is required to attend the Emergency Department. |
| Triage | Patients are initially assessed by a triage nurse and are treated according to clinical priority, not time of arrival or arrival mode. |
| Support person | RAH suggests bringing only one support person because waiting and consulting spaces are limited. |
| Children accompanying adult patients | Children must be supervised at all times due to equipment and activity risks in the ED. |
| Children needing admission or complex care | RAH may transfer children who need admission or complex care to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Children’s emergencies can also present directly to WCHN. |
| During the ED visit | Patients may need blood tests, x-rays, consultations or movement between treatment spaces and waiting areas. |
Outpatient appointments, referrals and appointment letters
Specialist outpatient clinics at RAH provide access to specialised medical, nursing and allied health services, tests and procedures for patients who are not currently admitted to hospital. Outpatient appointments are generally made through a GP, treating specialist or medical practitioner referral.
How referrals work
Your GP, specialist or medical practitioner sends the referral to the outpatient referral team. Referrals are assessed and triaged according to clinical urgency.
How RAH contacts patients
If accepted, you may receive appointment details by letter, text message or phone call. Phone calls may show as an unknown number.
After your referral is received
| Referral outcome | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Urgent or semi-urgent | You may be contacted by letter, SMS or phone with appointment date, time, location and test instructions. |
| Routine or non-urgent | You may receive a letter saying you have been waitlisted and will be contacted when an appointment becomes available. |
| Referral declined | Your GP or referring medical practitioner is notified. |
| Condition changes while waiting | Contact your GP or referring doctor. In an emergency, call 000 or attend an Emergency Department. |
| Address, phone or GP changes | Tell the outpatient department by phone, email or at your next appointment so appointment and care information goes to the right place. |
Change or cancel an RAH outpatient appointment
If you need to change or cancel an outpatient appointment, contact the outpatient service as soon as possible. Missed appointments without notice may lead to discharge from the waitlist and a new GP referral may be needed.
| Main Outpatient Call Centre & Referral Management Hub | 1300 153 853 |
|---|---|
| Fax | (08) 7074 6247 |
| Use this for | Changing or cancelling an outpatient appointment if you have already been referred and have an appointment date and time. |
| Important | Some clinics use direct phone numbers instead of the main outpatient call centre. |
Clinic phone numbers that should be contacted directly
| Clinic or service | Direct phone | Fax if listed |
|---|---|---|
| Allergy and Immunology | (08) 7117 3099 | Not listed |
| Burns Unit outpatient | (08) 7074 5076 | (08) 7074 6223 |
| Cancer Outpatient: Oncology, Haematology, Medical Oncology | (08) 7074 4100 | (08) 7074 6220 |
| Cardiology | (08) 7117 3004 | Not listed |
| Cardiothoracic surgery | (08) 7074 1811 | Not listed |
| Diabetes and Endocrinology | (08) 7117 3037 | Not listed |
| Neurology | (08) 7117 3009 | Not listed |
| Neurosurgery | (08) 7117 3007 | Not listed |
| Palliative Care, RAH & TQEH | (08) 8222 3825 | Not listed |
| Renal Outpatient, CNARTS | (08) 7074 4790 | (08) 8429 6060 |
| Rheumatology | (08) 7117 3008 | Not listed |
| Thoracic Medicine Outpatient: Lung Function Lab, Sleep Studies, TB Services | (08) 7117 2900 | (08) 7117 2998 |
Outpatient clinic locations and arrival timing
RAH advises patients to arrive at least 15 minutes before an outpatient appointment. Outpatient appointments may be at RAH Level 3, RAH Level 5, or the alternate outpatient site at Level 1, 21 North Terrace, opposite the hospital at the corner of Gray Street and North Terrace.
| Appointment location | What to do on arrival |
|---|---|
| RAH Outpatients Level 3 or Level 5 | Check the screens on Level 3 ground floor when you arrive, then report to outpatient clinic reception. |
| Level 1, 21 North Terrace | This is the alternate outpatient site opposite RAH, at the corner of Gray Street and North Terrace. Always check in with reception staff. |
| Telehealth appointment | Remote and country patients may attend some appointments by video from home or work if the clinic offers telehealth. |
Healthdirect telehealth appointments for remote patients
RAH uses Healthdirect video calls for some telehealth appointments. This can help remote and country patients attend suitable clinic appointments without travelling to Adelaide.
Equipment needed
- Apple or Windows computer with microphone and camera
- Laptop with microphone and camera
- Apple or Android tablet with camera and microphone
- Apple or Android mobile phone
- Reliable internet access
Privacy basics
During a telehealth appointment, the patient, clinician and sometimes an interpreter can access the video. The clinic appointment is not recorded, according to the RAH telehealth information.
Hospital services, specialist clinics and care areas
RAH provides complex care across medical, surgical, emergency, acute mental health, outpatient and diagnostic fields. It also offers specialist acute spinal and brain injury rehabilitation services.
| Service group | Examples of services listed by RAH |
|---|---|
| Medical | Allergy and Immunology, Cardiology, Chronic Disease, Clinical Genetics, Dermatology, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Drug and Alcohol Consultant Liaison, Gastroenterology, General Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Haematology, Infectious Diseases, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Radiation Oncology, Rheumatology and Spinal services. |
| Surgical | Adult Burns Centre, Breast and Endocrine Outpatients, Cardiothoracic Service, Colorectal Surgery, Craniofacial Surgery, Gastrointestinal Surgery, Gynaecology Oncology, Hepatobiliary Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, Trauma/General Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Urology, Vascular Surgery, Renal and Transplantation. |
| Critical care | Anaesthesia, Emergency Department, Hyperbaric Medical Unit, Pain Management Unit, Trauma Service and Intensive Care Unit. |
| Allied health | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing Hub, Audiology, Creative Health, Neuropsychology, Orthotics and Prosthetics, Podiatry, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Speech Pathology and Wellness services. |
| Support services | Social Work, Spiritual Care and Palliative Care. |
Service names, locations and referral rules can change. Use the department phone number on your appointment letter or the official service page for the latest clinic-specific requirement.
RAH parking fees, car park levels and drop-off zones
The main Royal Adelaide Hospital car park is underground on Levels 1 and 2 and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A short-term two-hour pay-and-display zone is near the Emergency Department on Level 2.
| Parking item | Patient or visitor detail |
|---|---|
| Main parking | Underground car park on Levels 1 and 2, open 24/7. |
| Short-term parking | Two-hour pay-and-display zone near the Emergency Department on Level 2. |
| Payment before leaving | Casual hourly parking ticket holders should pay at ticket payment machines in or near the Level 1 or Level 2 car park lift lobbies before returning to the vehicle. |
| Drop-off time limit | Drop-off and pick-up zones have a strict 10-minute limit. Staying longer may lead to a fine. |
| Credit cards | Exit gate machines accept MasterCard and Visa only. AMEX is not accepted. A credit card surcharge may apply. |
| Cash | Automatic payment stations accept notes $50 and below and all coins except 5 cent coins. Pay-and-display machines do not accept notes. |
| Motorcycles | Motorcycle spaces are on Levels 1 and 2 and are subject to standard hospital parking fees and terms. |
| Bicycles | Free public bicycle parking bays are located across Levels 2 and 3. |
RAH public parking fees
| Parking duration | Fee |
|---|---|
| 0 to 1 hour | $6 |
| 1 to 2 hours | $9 |
| 2 to 3 hours | $19 |
| 3 to 4 hours | $25 |
| 4 to 5 hours | $27 |
| 5 to 24 hours | $33 |
| Lost ticket | $33 |
| Weekly ticket | $53 per week |
RAH drop-off and pick-up locations
- Level 1, next to Section E, F and G lift lobbies
- Level 2, in front of the Emergency Department entrance
- Level 2, outside the Section B/C lift lobby
- Level 3, in front of the main entrance
Public transport, tram stop, train access and taxi drop-off
RAH is well connected by tram, bus, train, taxi and bicycle. The public transport option can be easier than driving during busy appointment times or long visits.
| Transport option | Useful detail for patients and visitors |
|---|---|
| Car access from Port Road | From Port Road west, traffic lights allow vehicles to enter and exit the hospital facility, with a pedestrian crossing. |
| Car access from West Terrace | At North Terrace, Port Road and West Terrace, one lane provides in-only traffic to the taxi/patient drop-off zone and access to Outpatients, Inpatients and Day Surgery. |
| Train | Adelaide Railway Station is about 900 metres from the hospital. Patients can walk along North Terrace or transfer to the free city tram. |
| Tram | The tram line runs past RAH, with a stop on North Terrace near the main entrance. The Free City Tram Zone runs from South Terrace to Adelaide Entertainment Centre. |
| Park and Ride | Motorists may use Adelaide Entertainment Centre Park ’n’ Ride and travel into the city by tram. |
| Accessibility on trams | Adelaide trams are wheelchair, scooter and assistance-dog friendly. |
| Bus | Many regular bus routes stop within close walking distance. Check Adelaide Metro before travelling. |
| Taxi | Use the patient/taxi drop-off zone and follow hospital signage to the correct entrance. |
RAH visiting hours, entrances and visitor rules
Visiting arrangements can vary by ward and clinical situation. Generally, RAH visiting hours are 10:30am to 8:30pm across wards, apart from the Intensive Care Unit, which has different requirements. For the most accurate advice, call the switchboard and ask to be put through to the ward or unit you plan to visit.
Public entrances
- Level 3 ground level, facing Port Road: main entrance and drop-off zone
- Level 1F: car park entrance
- Level 2B/C: car park entrance
Visitor call tip
Call (08) 7074 0000 and ask for the ward, unit or inpatient if you know the patient’s full name and ward details.
Appointment and admission checklist: Medicare, referrals and medicines
RAH advises patients to bring key documents and personal items for specialist clinic appointments, day procedures or overnight stays. Bringing the right documents can reduce delays and help staff confirm your referral, medicines and care plan.
Bring on each hospital visit
- Medicare card
- Veteran or Pension card if applicable
- Relevant test results, x-rays and reports
- Referring doctor’s letter if applicable
- Contact number for next of kin or carer
- Admission paperwork sent by the hospital
- Key card or credit card to access money
- Current medication list
Bring for admission
- Contact lenses, glasses or hearing aid and batteries
- Small labelled overnight bag
- Clothing and toiletries
- Personal wheelchair or walking frame
- All medications and tablets
Extra items for outpatient appointments
- Forms sent to you before the appointment
- Advance Care Directive, Enduring Power of Guardianship, Medical Power of Attorney or other legal care documents if relevant
- Current GP or referring doctor name, address and phone number
- Medicare, Pension, Health Care, Veterans, PBS Safety Net and private health care cards
- Questions or concerns you want to discuss, including a medical certificate request if needed
- Food, water and required medications, especially if you have dietary restrictions or may face delays
Accessibility, disability support and finding your way around
RAH is designed to help people with disability access the hospital and its services. The hospital includes a combination of sensory aids, visual tools and accessible navigation features.
| Accessibility feature | Practical detail |
|---|---|
| Braille and audible lifts | Lifts with braille buttons and audible level announcements are located inside main entrance areas on Levels 1, 2 and 3 and throughout hospital wings. |
| Hearing loops | Hearing loops and microphones are installed in reception areas where patients check in. |
| Visual navigation | Contrasting colours help distinguish adjoining pavements and walkway intersections. |
| Tactile ground surface indicators | Tactile indicators help guide patients and visitors to the Level 3 main reception. |
| Assistance animals | Follow hospital visitor guidance and ask the ward or clinic if you need specific instructions before attending. |
Patient support, Aboriginal Health Hub, interpreters and feedback
RAH has support pathways for patients and visitors who need cultural support, disability help, interpreter assistance, social work, spiritual care, rural and remote support or feedback help.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing Hub
The Hub is centrally located at the main entrance on Level 3 ground floor. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
The Hub can help connect patients and families to community, language interpreters, culturally appropriate resources, care planning and support services.
Consumer Experience team
Phone: (08) 7074 1377
Email: HealthCALHNConsumerExperience@sa.gov.au
Hours: 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday
Consumer Experience mailing address
Consumer Experience team
Level 3, 3A477
Royal Adelaide Hospital
Port Road, Adelaide SA 5000
Public patients, private patients, Medicare and hospital costs
Royal Adelaide Hospital is a public hospital. Public hospital care for eligible Medicare patients is generally handled under public hospital arrangements, but your exact cost position can depend on whether you are treated as a public patient, private patient, overseas patient, compensable patient or under a specific program.
| Cost situation | What to check before attending |
|---|---|
| Medicare public patient | Ask whether your visit, outpatient appointment, test, procedure or admission is covered as a public patient. |
| Private health insurance | Ask whether you are being treated as a public or private patient and confirm any excess, gap, accommodation or medication cost with your health fund. |
| Overseas patient | Ask RAH or SA Health about Medicare eligibility, reciprocal arrangements, insurance and upfront billing before non-emergency attendance. |
| TAC, workers compensation or other claim | Bring claim details and ask the clinic or admissions team how billing should be processed. |
| Parking cost | Parking is separate from medical care and can become expensive during long appointments or repeated visits. |
Smoke-free hospital rules and visitor conduct
Smoking is not permitted on the grounds of any South Australian public hospital, including RAH. This applies to buildings, vehicles, car parks and outdoor areas on the hospital site.
Patients and visitors are expected to follow hospital rules, respect staff, respect other patients and follow ward or unit instructions designed for safety and care.
Questions to ask before visiting Royal Adelaide Hospital
Use this short script when calling RAH so you do not arrive at the wrong entrance, clinic or appointment location.
- “I have an outpatient appointment. Is it at RAH Level 3, Level 5 or 21 North Terrace?”
- “Should I use the Outpatient Call Centre or a direct clinic number for this department?”
- “Do I need a current GP or specialist referral?”
- “Is my appointment face-to-face, phone or Healthdirect video call?”
- “Do I need to complete tests, x-rays or forms before the appointment?”
- “How early should I arrive, and which reception desk should I report to?”
- “Is there any Medicare, private insurance or overseas patient billing issue I should check?”
- “Where should I park or be dropped off for this clinic?”
- “Can I bring a support person, interpreter or carer?”
- “What should I bring if I am staying overnight or having a day procedure?”
Official RAH links for appointments, map, parking and patient support
| Need | Official link |
|---|---|
| Main website | Royal Adelaide Hospital official website |
| Contact information | RAH contact information |
| Outpatient appointments | RAH outpatient appointments and Healthdirect |
| Change or cancel outpatient appointment | RAH outpatient call centre and clinic numbers |
| Emergency Department | RAH Emergency Department information |
| Clinical services | RAH clinical services |
| Transport and parking | RAH transport and parking |
| Parking fees and fines | RAH parking fees and fines |
| What to bring | RAH what to bring |
| Disability access | RAH disability access information |
| Consumer Experience team | RAH Consumer Experience team |
Royal Adelaide Hospital FAQs
What is the address of Royal Adelaide Hospital?
Royal Adelaide Hospital is located on Port Road, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia.
What is the Royal Adelaide Hospital switchboard phone number?
The RAH switchboard phone number is (08) 7074 0000. Use this number for general enquiries, ward transfers, department transfers and inpatient phone connection help.
What is the outpatient appointment phone number for Royal Adelaide Hospital?
The main RAH Outpatient Call Centre and Referral Management Hub phone number is 1300 153 853. Some clinics have direct numbers, so check your appointment letter or the clinic phone table on this page.
Where is the Emergency Department at Royal Adelaide Hospital?
The RAH Emergency Department is located on Level 2C. It is one level below the main Level 3 entrance and is near Port Road and the underground car parks.
Does Royal Adelaide Hospital Emergency Department require a referral?
No. A referral is not required to attend the RAH Emergency Department. For life-threatening emergencies, call 000.
How early should I arrive for a Royal Adelaide Hospital outpatient appointment?
RAH advises outpatients to arrive at least 15 minutes before their appointment. Check your letter to confirm whether your clinic is on RAH Level 3, RAH Level 5 or Level 1, 21 North Terrace.
How much is parking at Royal Adelaide Hospital?
RAH public parking fees include $6 for 0 to 1 hour, $9 for 1 to 2 hours, $19 for 2 to 3 hours, $25 for 3 to 4 hours, $27 for 4 to 5 hours, $33 for 5 to 24 hours, $33 for a lost ticket and $53 for a weekly ticket.
What are the visiting hours at Royal Adelaide Hospital?
General RAH visiting hours are usually 10:30am to 8:30pm across wards, apart from the Intensive Care Unit and areas with different requirements. Call the ward through the switchboard before visiting.
What should I bring to Royal Adelaide Hospital?
Bring your Medicare card, pension or veteran card if applicable, relevant x-rays and test results, referral letter if applicable, next-of-kin contact, admission paperwork, money access card and a list of current medications. For admission, also bring glasses, hearing aids, clothing, toiletries, mobility aids and medications.
Does Royal Adelaide Hospital offer telehealth appointments?
Some RAH outpatient appointments may be offered through Healthdirect video call, especially for remote and country patients when clinically suitable. You need a device with camera and microphone plus internet access.
Source and update note
This patient guide is based on official Royal Adelaide Hospital and SA Health information for contact details, outpatient appointments, Emergency Department, clinical services, parking, visitor information, what to bring, disability access, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support, and Consumer Experience contacts.
Hospital phone numbers, clinic locations, parking fees, visitor rules, outpatient processes and service availability can change. Always confirm directly with RAH before travelling, cancelling an appointment, arranging transport or making care decisions.
This page is an informational hospital guide only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.