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Children's Emergency

The Children's Emergency Department at Gold Coast University Hospital is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Robina Hospital has an Emergency Department which also treats children.

 You should always call Triple Zero (000) in a genuine health emergency.

The Children’s Emergency Department provides dedicated emergency assessment and treatment for children up to their 16th birthday. Providing care for the needs of your child in a family and child-friendly environment is at the heart of everything we do.

Our Services

Your child will be cared for by a variety of staff experienced in paediatric emergency medicine. Our Children’s ED Team includes paediatric emergency physicians, emergency physicians, paediatricians, emergency nurses, technicians and allied health staff including physiotherapists, social workers and psychologists.

How to access this service?

Like Adult emergency department, Children’s emergency is a walk-in service. Your child will be triaged upon arrival by the emergency nurse. You should always call Triple Zero (000) in a genuine health emergency. 

How can I get to Children’s Emergency?

There is a designated drop-off zone at the front of the main Emergency Department at Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina Hospital.

What should I bring?

Pack as you would going out for a day with your child. This may include a change of clothes, nappies, snacks, drink, things to keep them occupied while waiting, and a comfort toy. Your child may be required to stay overnight and there is provision for one parent to accompany them.

What happens when I arrive?

On arrival, an experienced emergency nurse will assess and triage your child’s condition. We try our best to see every patient within a timely manner. Some children who are more unwell may be seen ahead of your child and this may result in an unpredictable waiting period. Behind the scenes other children will be arriving by other routes such as ambulance or helicopter. We ask that you be patient while we deliver the best possible care to all our patients. If your child’s condition worsens or if you have any concerns about your child’s health, please alert the nurse.

What to bring

Each time you visit us

  • Your Medicare card
  • Private health insurance card (if you have one)
  • Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
  • Current medications and specialist feeding formulas
  • Relevant x-rays, scans or any other test results or reports
  • Glasses, hearing and mobility aids
  • Your baby’s Red Book (Personal Child Health Record)
  • Discharge information from previous admissions

Staying overnight or longer

  • A dressing gown or jumper, sleepwear or comfortable day clothes
  • Nappies, wipes and change of clothes
  • Copy of Advanced Healthcare Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney if you have one
  • Something to read or do during your stay
  • Medical devices required for your care (e.g. CPAP machine)
  • Do not bring large amounts of cash or valuables 
  • A comfort item like a toy or blanket
  • Books or favourite activity
Health professionals

About 30,000 children visit our Children’s ED with some of these presentations resulting in being admitted to the children’s ward. We are one of the busiest Children’s EDs in Queensland, treating patients from the Gold Coast and surrounding areas. 

We have:

  • 1 resuscitation room
  • 9 acute beds including 2 isolation rooms and a procedural sedation room
  • 6 short stay beds for 24-hour admissions
  • 1 plaster room
  • Radiology (x-ray, CT, ultrasound) next to the department

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend with my child?

In Children’s ED, parents should always stay with their child. We understand the importance of support from family and friends during this difficult time. Sometimes, we may need to limit the number of visitors in the ED due to overcrowding. This will ensure your child receives the best possible care.

Can my child eat and drink while we wait in Children’s Emergency?

Certain tests or procedures require patients to fast, which means no eating or drinking. Please encourage your child not to eat or drink before they are seen by our medical or nursing staff. If your child has a medical condition that prevents them from fasting, please speak to staff.


Last updated 01 Oct 2020