Our wait times dashboard indicates the estimated time non-emergency or non-urgent patients may need to wait to see a doctor at our Emergency Department.
We will always treat the sickest and most seriously injured patients first.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
How we calculate expected wait times
The RMH Emergency Department is one of the busiest in Victoria.
The estimated wait time shown on our dashboard is the anticipated time a non-emergency or less urgent patient may need to wait between:
- being assessed by the triage nurse, and
- being treated by a doctor
As some patients arrive by ambulance and helicopter, the number of patients in our waiting room is not an indication of how busy our department is.
Our dashboard data updates regularly and is subject to change depending on patient presentations.
Our wait-time dashboard is a guide only.
We are here to help our community. Please do not avoid seeking care or treatment based on wait times.
What to expect when you arrive at Emergency
When you first present to the ED, a triage nurse will assess you. Triage nurses are specially trained to assess a patient's condition to determine their Triage Category and Stream.
Your Triage Category (ranging from 1 to 5) tells our treating teams how quickly you need medical treatment:
- Category 1 and 2 patients need lifesaving treatment within seconds or minutes of arriving
- Category 3 and 4 patients are considered urgent but non-emergency or semi-urgent
- Category 5 indicates a non-urgent patient who may wait several hours to see a doctor during busy periods
Other options for treatment
If our ED indicates that we are extremely busy with long wait times, you may find it more efficient to seek treatment elsewhere, such as at another local ED or an Urgent Care Clinic.
Victorian Virtual Emergency Department
The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) is a free, statewide service that allows you to access care for non-life-threatening emergencies.
Specialist emergency departments
Local Urgent Care Clinics
Find your nearest Urgent Care Clinic.
Non-life threatening or non-emergency care
For some patients, accessing treatment in ED may not be the best or fastest option. In some cases, the ED may refer you to a general practitioner (GP), an Urgent Care Clinic or a pharmacy for treatment.
There are several alternative care providers available in the local area, as well as online or telephone services:
When to call Triple Zero (000)
If you are not sure if your situation is an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000). Your call taker will direct you to the appropriate help.
An immediate life-threatening medical emergency may include symptoms such as:
- central or crushing chest pain
- severe difficulty breathing or turning blue
- large burns
- serious accidents or trauma
- severe pain or bleeding
- sudden numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg
- unconsciousness
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Ground Level South East
300 Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria