Don’t delay, visit when you need us
Having a sick child is never easy, but it’s important to quickly seek medical care to avoid health complications.
It’s completely understandable to feel anxious about catching COVID-19, but our hospitals are safe places, with our experts ready to care for your kids when they need us most.
If your child is unwell or injured, we’re here to help. Don’t delay, visit when you need us.
A message from the Chief Paediatrician
Dr Matthew O’Meara, NSW’s Chief Paediatrician and Emergency Staff Specialist at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick answers some of your questions on COVID-19 and what we are doing to keep everyone safe.
What to expect when visiting our ED
Keeping you safe is our priority. Here’s what to expect when coming to our Emergency Departments (ED) at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Zoned Emergency Departments
Our ED’s are now split into ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ zones to make sure children are separated based on their needs.
All children with respiratory issues are cared for in our ‘hot’ zones. This includes children with symptoms like a runny nose, temperature and cough. Children experiencing all other health concerns are cared for in our ‘cold’ zones.
Our staff are committed to keeping everyone safe by following strict hygiene and social distancing practices. This includes making sure patients are separated by at least 1.5 metres, regular cleaning and hand washing between patients, and wearing masks and other protective equipment. Like in the community, families are encouraged to practice social distancing at all times while in our ED’s.
Rest assured, no matter which zone you’re in, your child will be safely and expertly cared for at all times.
Protecting you, protecting me
Our ED staff are wearing more protective gear than ever before - to keep everyone safe.
You may see staff wearing masks, gowns, visors or a combination of them. These items are called personal protective equipment, or PPE, and are designed to protect you and our staff.
If you need to, we’ll provide PPE for you, and show you how and when to safely wear it.
Hygiene first
Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of viruses and infections like COVID-19. Hand washbasins and antiseptic hand rub are available in key locations throughout our hospitals, including our ED’s. Our staff will always wash their hands before and after they see your child.
Watch this NSW Health handwashing for kids video
We encourage you to stay safe and regularly wash your hands – while at home and in the hospital.
Limiting visitors
It’s important that we reduce the number of people who visit our hospitals to essential only, to help prevent the spread of community-borne infections and make sure we can care for as many children as possible.
We know it can be challenging, but only one parent or carer can come with a child to the ED. No siblings or other family or friends should visit.
Any adult with cold-like symptoms should avoid visiting. If you are sick and have no one else to come with your child, please let our staff know as soon as you walk into our ED or call ahead.
Find out more on our visitor guidelines.
Partnering in care
We commit to working with you, to make sure you and your child feel supported and understand what is happening, when and why. From explaining essential tests and treatment options to linking you to vital support services, your family’s safety and wellbeing is our priority.
Watch this special message from our staff on how we are delivering care in this unprecedented time.
To find out more about how we are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, or to help prepare for your visit to hospital, visit our COVID-19 page.