Epworth Geelong Emergency Department
Receive urgent care from an expert team of doctors and nurses at Epworth Geelong.
- Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
- In an emergency, always call 000 first.
- Ph: 03 5271 7000
Comprehensive emergency treatment and care
An expert team of doctors and nurses provide comprehensive emergency treatment and care at Epworth Geelong. Patients have direct access to diagnostic services, theatres and a wide range of on-call specialists and referral services.
Geelong Emergency Department is equipped to support children and their parents with private emergency care for a broad range of presenting problems, including accidents and injuries, and common childhood illnesses.
Children with severe illness or injury may require stabilisation and transfer to a specialist children's hospital for ongoing management.
Emergency department treatment spaces are designed to provide privacy while reducing outside noise. Treatment spaces feature solid walls and entertainment units.
Getting to emergency
Emergency at Epworth Geelong is located at:
1 Epworth Place (off Pigdons Road) Waurn Ponds
(opens in Google Maps)
Parking is available on-site with temporary parking available at the front of the Emergency Department entrance for up to 15 minutes. There is additional on-site parking available close to the main entrance of the hospital – parking fees apply.
A discounted parking pass is available for patients attending Epworth Geelong Emergency Department, available from Emergency Department reception.
What to expect at emergency
We understand it can be a stressful time when making the decision to seek emergency care. Sometimes, knowing what to expect can be helpful in these situations.
Firstly, you will be triaged by our highly trained nursing staff to access the urgency of your medical condition. Then, our clerical staff will confirm your personal details and will discuss fees payable.
Following this, your emergency consultation, investigation, and treatment will be undertaken. If your condition requires hospital admission, the team will arrange your transfer to a ward or you will be discharged home with a plan for follow up treatment.
Please be aware, you may experience wait times throughout your visit.
Frequently asked questions
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Is the Emergency Department open 24/7?
Yes. Epworth Geelong’s Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays.
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Do I need private health insurance to attend?
No, you do not need private health insurance to attend. However, a fixed out-of-pocket fee applies to most visits. If you require hospital admission, you will need private health insurance, or an estimate of your costs will be provided and payment is required prior to or on admission.
Patients can also choose to be transferred to a public hospital if they are uninsured and require hospital admission.
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What are the fees and charges?
Fees vary depending on your treatment. An initial consultation fee is charged upon presentation. Additional costs may apply for services such as radiology, pathology, and specialist consultations. A surcharge applies to credit and debit card payments.
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Will Medicare or my insurer cover the costs?
Medicare and private health insurance do not cover the ED attendance fee. However, claims for hospital-related expenses will be submitted to your insurer, and some diagnostic services may be partially claimable from Medicare.
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How long will I wait to be seen?
Wait times depend on the severity of your condition. Patients are seen in order of medical priority, not arrival time. Triage nurses assess each patient on arrival to determine urgency.
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What should I bring with me?
Please bring:
- Medicare and private health insurance cards
- Identification (e.g. driver’s licence)
- Current medications or a medication list
- Any relevant doctor’s letters or test results
- Mobile phone and charger
- Health care card / pension card / DVA card
- Walking aids
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Can I choose to be taken to Epworth Geelong by ambulance?
Yes. Let your paramedic crew know you wish to be transported to Epworth Geelong. They will confirm if this is appropriate and notify our Emergency team.
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Is parking available?
Yes. On-site parking is available near the main entrance. Fees apply and are capped. Discounted parking passes are available from ED reception.
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Can I bring visitors with me?
Having a support person while you are in the ED encouraged. We have room for two visitors at a time. This may vary depending on individual circumstances. Movement through the department is restricted. Please follow staff directions.
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What happens after I’m discharged?
You’ll receive any necessary documents, prescriptions, or referrals. Please ask staff if you need a medical certificate or further instructions before leaving.
Visiting the Geelong region over summer?
I’m visiting the Surf Coast or Bellarine Peninsula - can I come to Epworth Geelong ED if I get injured?
Absolutely. Epworth Geelong’s Emergency Department is open 24/7, including public holidays, and is equipped to treat a wide range of injuries and illnesses. Whether you're staying on the Surf Coast, the Bellarine Peninsula or beyond, , our hospital is a short drive away and offers fast access to emergency care with onsite radiology and pathology.
Will my travel or interstate health insurance cover treatment at Epworth Geelong?
Epworth Geelong is a private hospital, and while travel insurance or interstate health plans may cover some costs, most visitors will need to pay an out-of-pocket ED attendance fee. We recommend checking with your insurer before arrival and bringing your insurance details with you. Our staff can assist with documentation for claims.
International visitors (without an Australian Medicare card), will have a higher ED attendance fee.
