Emergency (Children)
The Caboolture Hospital paediatric emergency department provides urgent care and treatment for children aged from birth to 16 years of age when they become seriously unwell and need urgent medical attention.
It includes a separate waiting area, individual consult rooms, sensory room, entertainment and cultural support is available. Tea and coffee is available for parents and caregivers.
We provide specialised emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including public holidays.
Our services
We offer children’s emergency medical services for a wide range of conditions. If your child needs to stay in hospital, we have a Paediatric Unit with sleeping facilities for parents and carers.
Your child may meet and be cared for by a variety of staff experienced in paediatric emergency medicine.
Our team includes paediatric emergency physicians, paediatricians, nurses, technicians, patient support assistants and allied health staff including dietitians, physiotherapists, social workers and psychologists.
If your child requires surgery or further specialist care, they may be referred to the Queensland Children’s Hospital for ongoing treatment.
Getting here
We have a designated short-term drop off and pick up zone at the front of the Emergency Department (enter via McKean Street) with a maximum stay of 20 minutes.
Our parking and transport page has more information about long stay parking at the hospital.
How to access this service
This is a public health service. You do not need a referral letter from your doctor to access this service.
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 (prescription, over the counter and herbal medicine)
- Relevant x-rays, scans or any other test results or reports
- Glasses, hearing and mobility aids
- Your sleep equipment – machine and accessories (CPAP or bilevel)
- Your baby’s Red Book (Personal Child Health Record)
- Discharge information from previous admissions
Staying overnight or longer
- A dressing gown or cardigan, sleepwear or comfortable day clothes
- Slippers and shoes (low heel, closed-in, non-slip, adjustable and firm fitting around the foot)
- Your toiletries and personal items
- 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 such as jewellery, watches or other items of value to you
When you 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. 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.
Appropriate behaviour
The safety of our staff and patients/children is a top priority. We do not tolerate any form of aggressive or abusive behaviour. Any audio or visual recording without permission is strictly prohibited.
Research
In the Emergency Department, it is a priority to conduct research that will improve the health and healthcare of Queenslanders. You may be asked if you would like your child to participate in research.
You will have time to read about the research and ask questions. Involvement in research is voluntary and you may withdraw your child from participation at any time.
Frequently asked questions
What other services are available instead of children’s emergency?
Can my child eat or drink while we wait in emergency?
Can my child have visitors in emergency?
Contact us
Location: Ground floor, Main Building, Caboolture Hospital. Separate entry from McKean St.
Phone: (07) 5433 8888
Open: Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week (including public holidays)
Need help outside hours?
For non-urgent medical issues call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit your GP.
In an emergency call 000.
Refer a patient
GPs and specialists in the community and other hospitals can refer children by sending them directly to the emergency department with a referral letter.