Your child’s health can’t wait
Having a sick child is never easy, but it’s important to seek medical care quickly to avoid health complications.
It’s 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.
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.
Protecting you, protecting me
Our staff are committed to keeping everyone safe by following strict hygiene and physical 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. As in the community, families are encouraged to practice physical distancing at all times while in our EDs.
Rest assured, your child will be safely and expertly cared for at all times.
Our ED staff –wear PPE to keep everyone safe.
You may see staff wearing masks, gowns, visors or a combination of them
Masks are mandatory for staff and visitors 12 years and older.
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 EDs. Our staff will always wash their hands before and after they see your child.
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.
We know it can be challenging, but only two parents or carers can come with a child to the ED. No siblings or other family or friends should visit.
As per SCHN’s conditions of entry, to avoid the risk of exposure within the hospital, COVID-positive parents/carers should not enter the hospital for 7 days after cold or flu symptoms or contact with COVID-19. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remember, you can get non-urgent health advice from these services:
- Your GP knows your child best and should be your first point of call for all non-urgent health concerns.
- For health advice, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
- If your child is experiencing a medical emergency, please visit your local ED or call OOO.
- More information on ED’s and when to visit is available on the HealthDirect Website