Parkville children’s hospital planner
RCH Melbourne emergency, specialist clinics, parking and family support guide
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne is a major specialist paediatric hospital at 50 Flemington Road, Parkville. This guide is built for parents, carers, young people and visitors who need clear practical details before calling, travelling, attending Emergency, changing a clinic appointment, parking, using My RCH Portal or visiting a child on a ward.
Use the sections below to quickly find the right phone number, Emergency entry, parking fees, concession process, Specialist Clinics steps, hospital map shortcuts, visitor access rules, Family Hub support, interpreter help, surgery checklist, Medicare-ineligible cost notes and official action links.
For a life-threatening emergency in Australia, call 000. If a child is critically unwell, do not wait for an appointment, email reply or online information.
CallSwitchboard, Specialist Clinics, Emergency pathway or interpreter help
PrepareReferral, Medicare, medicines, scans and comfort item
TravelFlemington Road entries, tram, drop-off or underground car park
Check inVisitor registration, clinic kiosk, ward pass or triage
SupportFamily Hub, portal, feedback, VPTAS or interpreter services
Fast action box: address, phone, Emergency, appointments and family help
Main hospital
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne
50 Flemington Road, Parkville VIC 3052
Interpreter help
Interpreter and NESB Services
Business hours; after hours contact switchboard for telephone interpreting.
| Need | Best contact / action | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | Call 000 | Use this for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, seizure, major injury, severe allergic reaction, poisoning, major bleeding or a child who is critically unwell. |
| Main switchboard | +61 3 9345 5522 | Ask for Emergency, a ward, Specialist Clinics, Patient Accounts, Interpreter Services, Consumer Liaison, Family Hub or the relevant department. |
| Emergency Department admin | +61 9345 5522 | Business hours administration only. Doctors and nurses cannot give medical advice over the phone without assessing the child. |
| Outpatient referrals fax | (03) 9345 5034 | RCH Specialist Clinics external referral forms can be faxed here. Referrals can also be emailed to screferrals@rch.org.au. |
| Cancel/reschedule Specialist Clinics | (03) 9345 6180 | Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm, or use the official Specialist Clinics change-of-appointment form. |
| Patient record enquiries | (03) 9345 6107 | Health Information Services handles FOI, historic records and patient-detail updates. Email: HIS.Patientinfo@rch.org.au. |
| Outpatient account queries | (03) 9345 4588 | Email: SpecialistClinic.Billing@rch.org.au. |
| Medical Imaging account queries | (03) 9345 5294 | Email: Mid.accounts@rch.org.au. |
| Cashiers Desk | (03) 9345 5961 | For in-person payment support. |
| Car Park and Security Office | (03) 9345 9488 | East Building, Lower Ground, next to Emergency. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. |
| Consumer Liaison Office | (03) 9345 5676 | Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm, excluding public holidays. Email: clo@rch.org.au. |
Royal Children’s Hospital map, Emergency entry and family wayfinding
The RCH is located at 50 Flemington Road, Parkville VIC 3052. Parking is underneath the hospital and retail precinct, and the Emergency Department entry is via Entry 2 from Flemington Road. For appointments, always follow the clinic desk, lift colour and level listed on your letter or SMS.
Child-friendly official video: Emergency Visit
This official “A child’s guide to hospital” video can help children and families understand what an Emergency visit may feel like before arriving.
Ground floor map shortcuts
| Map item | Grid / area | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Department | C3 | Use for urgent child and adolescent medical care. |
| Specialist Clinics reception A1-A6 | C2-C3 | Main ground-floor reception zone for many specialist clinic appointments. |
| Dental Clinic | B3 | Use if your appointment letter lists dental/oral health. |
| Immunisation Clinic | B3 | Use for immunisation clinic appointments. |
| Pharmacy | C3 | Useful for hospital medicines, discharge scripts and prescription questions. |
| Main Street reception | C3 | General enquiries and visitor check-in. |
| Family Hub | B2 | Family rest space with kitchen, personal care, business and support facilities. |
| Wadja Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources | B1 | Culturally supportive space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. |
| Car park pay machines | C3 + E4 | Pay before returning to your vehicle. |
| Taxi telephone | C3 | Use if you need taxi pickup after an appointment or discharge. |
| Food court / cafés | B2-D4 / F4 | The map lists multiple cafés and food options including Degani, McDonald’s, Subway, sushi and cafés. |
| Aquarium, meerkats, outdoor play area and Starlight Express Room | Various | Useful distractions for children during long waits when clinically appropriate. |
Emergency Department: entry, triage, wait expectations and alternatives
Call 000 if your child is critically unwell. If symptoms are not life-threatening but you are worried, seek urgent medical care from the nearest suitable service.
RCH Emergency facts
- Provides urgent care to children and adolescents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- RCH is Victoria’s paediatric state trauma centre, so the sickest and most injured children are prioritised.
- About 90,000 newborn-to-teenage patients are seen each year, around 250 per day on average.
- Entry is via Entry 2 from Flemington Road, Parkville.
- There are a small number of 15-minute public drop-off bays at the ED entrance for dropping off children and carers only.
What happens after arrival
- Clerical staff check the child in and ask screening questions.
- A triage nurse assesses urgency and discusses the presenting problem.
- The nurse may check temperature, weight and give simple pain relief where appropriate.
- Medicare and demographic details are collected.
- The child is directed to the correct waiting or treatment area.
- The most seriously ill and critically injured children are seen immediately.
Emergency decision guide
| Situation | Best action |
|---|---|
| Child is critically unwell, unconscious, blue, struggling to breathe, has severe injury, seizure, poisoning, severe allergy or major bleeding | Call 000 immediately. |
| Child needs urgent paediatric emergency assessment | Go to the nearest suitable Emergency Department. RCH ED entry is via Entry 2 from Flemington Road. |
| Cold, flu or COVID-like symptoms but not severe and GP is unavailable | Consider a GP respiratory clinic or another appropriate health service if suitable. |
| Non-life-threatening concern and virtual assessment may be suitable | The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department is available 24/7 for non-life-threatening conditions in Victoria. |
| You want phone medical advice from ED doctors/nurses | RCH says doctors and nurses cannot provide medical advice over the phone because they cannot assess the child without seeing them. |
Specialist Clinics appointments, referrals, desks and self-check-in
RCH Specialist Clinics run on specific days, at allocated times and locations. Appointment location can change between visits, so use the appointment letter or text message for the clinic desk, reception and arrival instructions.
Changing or cancelling a clinic appointment
- Call Specialist Clinics on (03) 9345 6180.
- Call between 8:30am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
- You can also use the official Specialist Clinics change-of-appointment form.
- If your child has COVID-19 or COVID-like symptoms and has an appointment, call the clinic reception desk for next steps.
- Do not simply miss the appointment; ask early about rescheduling.
Specialist Clinics check-in
- Use self-check-in kiosks at the entry of Desks A, B, D, E and H.
- Scan the barcode on the appointment letter or swipe the Medicare card.
- Confirm the child’s details at each visit.
- Enter a mobile number if you want a text when it is time to return to the waiting area.
- Watch the TV screens or SMS for ticket/room instructions.
Referral rules for doctors and referrers
| Referral item | RCH requirement |
|---|---|
| Referral method | Use the RCH external referral form where appropriate. Completed forms are faxed to 03 9345 5034 or emailed to screferrals@rch.org.au. |
| Patient demographics | Include full name, parent/guardian/carer name, address, mobile number, date of birth, Medicare number, ATSI status and interpreter/CALD requirements. |
| Clinical details | Include reason for referral, presenting problem, GP diagnosis, referral purpose, physical examination results, management to date, investigations, history, allergies and medications. |
| Why referrals may not be accepted | Missing demographic details, insufficient clinical information, age criteria mismatch, out-of-area care, no relevant RCH service or child originally seen elsewhere and should return to that service. |
| Referral status questions | Call Specialist Clinics on (03) 9345 6180. For referral queries only, email Clinics.Outreach@rch.org.au. That email does not accept referrals. |
Specialist clinic locations
| Clinic reception | Location | Examples of clinics |
|---|---|---|
| Reception A, clinics A1-A6 | Ground Floor, East Building, opposite the Creature | 3D imaging, audiology, cardiology ECG/ECHO, clinical photography, gastroenterology, general medicine, nephrology, neurology, orthopaedics, pathology, plastic surgery, respiratory medicine and urology. |
| Reception B, Allied Health | Level 1, East Building, green lifts | Children’s Pain Management Service, nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy, orthotics/prosthetics, physiotherapy, saliva control clinic, social work, speech pathology, tracheotomy clinic and Victorian Paediatric Rehab Services. |
| Always confirm | Appointment letter or SMS | RCH states desks may change each time you visit, so do not rely only on memory from a previous visit. |
Time tip: RCH recommends allowing up to 2.5 hours for a Specialist Clinics visit. Bring snacks, comfort items, nappies if needed, and something quiet for the child to do while waiting.
RCH parking entries, fees, concessions and drop-off zones
Ticketed parking is available beneath the hospital and the retail precinct. The car park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take your ticket at the boom gate, keep it with you, pay at a pay station before returning to your car, and remember your car park level, numbered area and lift colour.
| Car park section | Entry | Best for | Lift colour / levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 Flemington Road, beneath the hospital | Entries 1 and 2 from Flemington Road | All wards and clinics in the main hospital | Yellow and green lifts; levels B1, B2, B3 |
| 48 Flemington Road, beneath the retail precinct | Entry 4 from Flemington Road | Private consulting suites, Larwill Hotel, Bambini childcare centre, RCH Foundation and Auxiliaries, RCH School and retail precinct | Blue lifts; levels LG, B1, B2 |
| Emergency drop-off | Entry 2, Flemington Road | Child and carer drop-off only | 15-minute public drop-off bays near ED entrance |
Parking rates
| Duration / ticket | Rate |
|---|---|
| 0-1 hour | $12 |
| 1-2 hours | $20 |
| 2-3 hours | $26 |
| 3-4 hours | $30 |
| 4-5 hours | $33 |
| 5-24 hours | $39 |
| Daily maximum | $39 |
| Each day thereafter | $12 |
| 7-day maximum | $60 |
| Night flat rate | $9 when entering after 4:00pm and exiting before 8:00am the next day |
| Lost ticket | $39 daily maximum applies |
| Concession rate | $11 |
Concession parking steps
| Question | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| Who may be eligible? | Valid Federal Government Concession card holders where the patient/visitor is the cardholder or dependent, families with a child inpatient for more than two consecutive days, and some ImmiCard/Bridging Visa E holders. |
| Where to apply? | Car Park and Security Office, East Building, Lower Ground, next to Emergency. |
| What to bring? | Identification and documents showing eligibility. |
| Long-term option | Eligible families can apply for a Long-Term Carpark Concession Card that can be credited up to $100. |
| Multiple exits in 24 hours | Concession ticket holders are charged once over 24 hours if they obtain a receipt on first exit and validate before each later exit. |
| Financial hardship | Social Work can approve parking concession or fee exemption for families demonstrating undue financial hardship. During business hours, Ward Clerks and Specialist Clinic Team Leaders can request this support. |
| Office phone | (03) 9345 9488 |
Public transport, lifts, level themes and wayfinding
Public transport
- Trams 58 and 59 stop outside the hospital.
- Tram route 57 also stops nearby.
- If travelling from regional Victoria or interstate, ask about travel assistance forms before the appointment if a doctor’s signature/provider number is required.
Lift colours
- Green lifts: wards, Medical Imaging, Family Precinct, Allied Health, Surgical Short Stay, Equipment Distribution Centre and car park.
- Yellow lifts: private consulting suites, Day Medical, Day Surgery and car park.
- Blue lifts: useful from the 48 Flemington Road retail precinct car park into Main Street.
Level themes used for wayfinding
| Level | Theme | Region inspiration |
|---|---|---|
| Basement 1, 2 and 3 | Underground | Victorian goldfields |
| Lower Ground | Underwater | Port Phillip Bay |
| Ground | Beach | Great Ocean Road |
| Level 1 | Earth | Central Victorian farming district |
| Level 2 | Forest | The Grampians National Park |
| Level 3 | Tree Tops | Otway Ranges |
| Level 4 | Mountain Tops | Alpine National Park |
| Level 5 | Sky | Melbourne city skyline |
Visitor guidelines, ward access passes and privacy rules
| Visitor rule | What families should know |
|---|---|
| Main Reception | Staffed for general enquiries between 8:00am and 8:00pm. Hospital visitors are asked to register through a check-in process. |
| Ward access | Access to inpatient wards is by security access pass so only approved people, such as parents or carers, can access a child’s room. |
| Parent/carer passes | Parents and carers are given access passes on clearly marked visitor lanyards. RCH provides each family with up to two passes. |
| Visitors to a child | Visitors should contact the child’s parent or guardian first to obtain permission, ward and room number, and suitable visiting time. |
| Privacy | RCH cannot disclose whether a child is an inpatient, which ward they are on, how they are recovering or whether they have been discharged to anyone other than the child’s parent or legal guardian. |
| Delivery to a child | Organise deliveries with the family so they can meet delivery people at Main Street Reception. |
| Mask and illness rule | Visitors may need to sanitise hands and wear a surgical or N95 mask in wards or clinical areas. Do not visit if unwell. |
| Gifts and flowers | Latex-free balloons are recommended. Check with nursing staff before bringing flowers because some wards or patients cannot have flowers. |
Surgery, admissions and what to bring for a child
Bring for surgery or admission
- Medicare card
- X-rays, scans and relevant reports
- Regular medications and any paperwork you have been given
- Clean pyjamas, toiletries and nappies if needed for overnight admissions
- Child’s comfort object such as dummy, teddy or blanket
- Loose, comfortable clothes and spare change of clothes
- Formula: first two bottles ready to give after surgery if your child usually has formula feeds, unless your team gives different instructions
Before the procedure
- Make sure your child has showered or bathed and brushed their teeth.
- Do not let your child wear makeup, jewellery or nail polish.
- Organise alternative care for other children.
- Continue regular oral medicines unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- Medicines can usually be taken with a sip of clear fluid.
- Two weeks before the procedure, stop Nurofen/ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamins, herbal remedies and alternative medicines unless the treating unit advises otherwise.
Parent staying overnight: If an overnight admission is planned, one parent is welcome to stay on the ward. Siblings cannot stay on the ward.
My RCH Portal, Family Hub and support for long visits
My RCH Portal
- Website and mobile app for access to information in the RCH medical record.
- Patients, parents and legal guardians can access information when and where it suits them.
- Parents/legal guardians usually have full proxy access until the child turns 16.
- From 16 years of age, written consent from the young person is required for continued parent/guardian access.
- Each parent or legal guardian must apply for their own account; sharing accounts is not permitted.
The Family Hub
- Located on the ground floor of the North Building, behind Dr Brew Café.
- Open 10:00am-4:00pm Monday to Friday, not open public holidays and weekends.
- Kitchen facilities include free tea, coffee, Milo, cordial, breakfast cereal, bottle warmer, microwave and sandwich maker.
- Personal care includes toilets, showers, change rooms, baby change tables and emergency toiletries/clothing supplies.
- Business centre includes computers, internet, email, fax/scanning and printing with charges.
- Lockers and luggage storage are available for handbags, small items, suitcases and larger items.
Travel and accommodation assistance
| Family situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Travelling from country Victoria or interstate | Ask Specialist Clinics reception or the ward clerk about travel and accommodation assistance forms. |
| Travelling more than 100km from RCH | You may be eligible for Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme support if you meet the criteria. |
| Need a doctor’s signature/provider number | Bring the travel assistance form to the appointment because it often requires doctor completion. |
| Need Aboriginal family support | Wadja Aboriginal Family Place is on the ground floor in the North Building; follow the corridor from green lifts past the coffee shop and turn right. |
Interpreter help, feedback, patient records and possible costs
Interpreter and NESB Services
- Phone: (03) 9345 5026.
- Business hours: 8:30am-5:00pm Monday to Friday.
- Outside business hours, contact switchboard for telephone interpreting.
- RCH-provided interpreters are used for hospital care; non-RCH interpreters are not authorised to practise at RCH.
- Face-to-face out-of-hours interpreting may be approved in extreme circumstances such as death or deterioration.
Feedback and complaints
- Raise urgent concerns with bedside nurse, nurse unit manager or medical team first.
- Consumer Liaison Office: (03) 9345 5676.
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm, excluding public holidays.
- Email: clo@rch.org.au.
- RCH aims to address and respond to all feedback within 30 business days.
Medicare-ineligible patient costs
| Cost / billing item | Official detail |
|---|---|
| Who to contact | Patient Accounts: +61 3 9345 6638; email patient.liaison@rch.org.au. |
| Payment discussion | RCH says Medicare-ineligible care must be recovered in full from the patient’s next of kin, though private/travel insurance may reimburse depending on cover. |
| Information required | Passport and visa status, upfront payment, insurance policy details, overseas residential details and Australian sponsor/residential details where applicable. |
| Emergency Department consultation/review | $560 per visit, from the RCH Medicare-ineligible pricing schedule. |
| Emergency Department Observation Unit stay | $1,450 per visit. |
| Single day admission | $1,500. |
| Overnight admission | $1,950 per night. |
| Paediatric ICU bed | $4,800 per night. |
| Neonatal ICU bed | $4,200 per night. |
| Hospital in the Home | $600 per day. |
| Outpatient visit | $360. |
| Payment options | Credit card by phone through Patient Accounts, in-person cash/credit/EFTPOS at the Cashier near Main Street, or EFT using bank details on invoice. |
Cost safety: If the child does not have Medicare eligibility, confirm costs directly with Patient Accounts before attending whenever possible, especially for outpatient, emergency, imaging, theatre, pathology, pharmacy or inpatient care.
Major services, departments and family resources
| Service / resource | What families should know |
|---|---|
| Emergency Department | 24/7 urgent medical care for children and adolescents, with seriously ill or injured children prioritised. |
| Specialist Clinics | Many paediatric specialties run clinic appointments through desks A-H; always follow letter/SMS instructions. |
| Medical Imaging | Access through green lifts and relevant appointment instructions; account queries can be directed to Medical Imaging accounts. |
| Day Medical and Day Surgery | Use yellow lifts where appointment instructions specify day medical/day surgery pathways. |
| Allied Health | Includes nutrition/dietetics, occupational therapy, orthotics/prosthetics, physiotherapy, social work, speech pathology and more through Reception B. |
| Kids Health Info | Evidence-based child health fact sheets from RCH for families. |
| Teen Health Info | Health topics in simple language for young people aged 12 to 25. |
| RCH TV / Be Positive | Child-friendly videos explaining hospital, procedures and the people children may meet during care. |
| Family Hub | Non-clinical support space for families with kitchen, showers, computers, lockers and activities. |
| Wadja Aboriginal Family Place | Support and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. |
Official Royal Children’s Hospital links for action
Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne FAQs
What is the address of The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne?
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne is located at 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
What is the main phone number for The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne?
The main switchboard number for The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne is +61 3 9345 5522.
Where is the RCH Emergency Department entrance?
The Emergency Department entrance is via Entry 2 from Flemington Road, Parkville. There are limited 15-minute public drop-off bays at the Emergency Department entrance for dropping off children and carers only.
Is the Royal Children’s Hospital Emergency Department open 24 hours?
Yes. The RCH Emergency Department provides urgent medical care to children and adolescents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
How do I cancel or reschedule a Royal Children’s Hospital Specialist Clinics appointment?
Call Specialist Clinics on (03) 9345 6180 between 8:30am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, or use the official Specialist Clinics change-of-appointment form.
How much is parking at The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne?
RCH parking rates include $12 for 0 to 1 hour, $20 for 1 to 2 hours, $26 for 2 to 3 hours, $30 for 3 to 4 hours, $33 for 4 to 5 hours, and $39 for 5 to 24 hours or the daily maximum.
Can families get concession parking at RCH?
Yes. Concession parking may be available for eligible concession-card holders, families with a child inpatient for more than two consecutive days, and some eligible visa or ImmiCard holders. Applications are made at the Car Park and Security Office on Lower Ground next to Emergency.
Where is the Family Hub at The Royal Children’s Hospital?
The Family Hub is on the ground floor of the North Building, behind Dr Brew Café. It is usually open 10:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays and weekends.
How do I get interpreter help at RCH?
Call Interpreter and NESB Services on (03) 9345 5026 during business hours. Outside business hours, contact the RCH switchboard for telephone interpreting support.
What should I bring when my child is coming for surgery at RCH?
Bring the Medicare card, X-rays or scans, regular medications, paperwork, clean pyjamas, toiletries, nappies if required, a comfort item, loose clothing and a spare change of clothes. Follow the surgery team’s instructions for medicines, fasting and arrival time.
Source and update note
This guide is based on official Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne pages for contact details, Emergency Department access, Specialist Clinics, referrals, parking, visitor guidelines, hospital map, Family Hub, interpreter services, My RCH Portal, surgery preparation, feedback and Medicare-ineligible patient information.
Hospital phone numbers, parking fees, visitor rules, clinic desk locations, referral pathways, portal access and patient cost information can change. Confirm urgent or personal details directly with The Royal Children’s Hospital before travelling or making care decisions.
This page is an informational hospital guide only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations.