Kids Urgent Concern Helpline

The Kids Urgent Concern Helpline provides an independent assessment of your child's care in hospital via phone or video call.

You know your child best. If you're worried that your child is getting worse in hospital, the Kids Urgent Concern Helpline can help. It is free, easy to use and available 24/7 via phone or video call.

How to use the Kids Urgent Concern Helpline

It is important that you raise your concerns with your nurse or doctor first. They are there to help you.

All hospitals have their own process to help you if you're worried that your child is getting worse.

If you've spoken to your nurse or doctor, but you're still feeling worried or not feeling heard, stay at the hospital and call 13 82 45.

What happens on the call

When you call, you’ll need to provide:

• your name and relationship to the child
• the child’s name and date of birth
• details of your location at the hospital
• your contact number

The Kids Urgent Concern Helpline will listen to your concerns and assess your child's needs. They will work with you to ensure you feel comfortable with your child's care

When not to use the Kids Urgent Concern Helpline

It is not available:

• when you're at home
• for adults over 18
• for children whose main reason for being in hospital is related to their mental health.

Urgent care options available from your home

If you're not at hospital and you need urgent healthcare now, but it's not life-threatening, Victoria's range of Urgent Care Services offer free help faster. They are open to everyone, and you don’t need a Medicare card.

• Walk into an Urgent Care Clinic, open late and on weekends
• Video call with an emergency doctor or nurse with Virtual Emergency Department 24/7
• Phone 1300 60 60 24 Nurse-on-Call 24/7

The Kids Urgent Concern Helpline is a Safer Care For Kids initiative.