Emergency Department at Canberra Hospital

At the Emergency Department, our priority is to treat people who are seriously ill, in pain or are suffering.

About this service

You might come to the emergency department by private transport or by ambulance.

Regardless of how you get here, when you first arrive, you will see a triage nurse.

When and how you are treated will depend on your health needs. We aim to treat you as quickly as we can. How long you wait depends on how sick you and other people are.

You may need tests or specialist treatment. This may mean you wait for tests and results in another place in the hospital. These could be:

Sub-acute: for people who require ongoing observation and treatment.
Fast track: for people who have minor injury or illness.
The paediatric waiting room: for children.

We publish the current emergency department waiting times.

We also have an emergency department at North Canberra Hospital.

Who we care for

We see all people requiring emergency treatment.

We are part of Australia’s public health care system. We offer care to any Australian resident under Medicare arrangements. We offer our services for free if you have a Medicare Card.

If you are not eligible for Medicare you may need to pay for our service.

How to access this service

If you need to come to the Emergency Department, you do not need a referral, simply come and see us.

We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to expect

We have more detailed information on what to expect at the emergency department.

What to bring with you

Medicare card
Any letters or correspondence from your GP
Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
Your child’s personal health record (Blue Book).