Royal Children’s Hospital launches real-time wait list website

A NEW website will show the expected waiting times in the Royal Children’s Hospital’s emergency department in real time, helping parents decide whether to go to a local emergency department or a GP.

A NEW website will show the wait times at the Royal Children’s Hospital emergency department in real time.

The Victorian-first RCH Emergency Department Status Tool rates current activity from normal to very busy or extremely busy using an easy to understand colour code — helping parents decide whether to head to a local emergency department or a GP.

About 80 per cent of phone calls to the RCH emergency department on weekends are parents asking how long the wait times are.

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About 80 per cent of phone calls to the RCH emergency department on weekends are parents asking how long the wait times are. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

More than 60 per cent of patients with non life-threatening illness or injury bypass their local hospital on the way to the RCH — and patients with less serious cases can face long delays.

Premier Daniel Andrews said while it was right for parents to assume that the Royal Children’s Hospital would provide world-class care, there may be faster alternatives.

“Getting more information so parents can make a judgment on how long you might have to wait and whether there might be a quicker, faster option closer to home is really powerful.

“This information means you can make the choice to get your child the best care as fast as possible.”

Click here to view the status tool