Royal Children's Hospital Belfast Wait Times - Northern Ireland (NI)Children's Emergency Department Live Updates (NI)
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Current Children's Emergency Department Wait Times
Last updated:
About Royal Children's Hospital Belfast, Northern Ireland (NI)
Northern Ireland's Only Dedicated Children's Hospital
Ages 0-18 Years: The Royal Children's Hospital is the only hospital in Northern Ireland dedicated specifically to the care of children. We provide comprehensive paediatric healthcare for children from birth to 18 years old across Northern Ireland.
The Royal Children's Hospital on the Royal Hospitals site is the only hospital in Northern Ireland (NI) dedicated specifically to the care of children. It provides general hospital care for children living in Belfast and provides most of the paediatric regional specialities for children throughout Northern Ireland (NI). As part of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, the hospital offers comprehensive children's healthcare including a 24/7 Children's Emergency Department (Paediatric A&E), paediatric surgery, respiratory medicine, and specialist services for children aged 0-18 years. The hospital serves children and families across Belfast and Northern Ireland (NI) with dedicated paediatric healthcare professionals committed to providing world-class children's care.
Current Service Pressure Notice
The Children's Emergency Department is currently experiencing significant demand. Families with children with non-urgent medical concerns may face extended waiting periods and are encouraged to consider alternative healthcare options such as your GP or pharmacist where appropriate.
Important: Any child requiring emergency medical attention should not delay seeking care. The Children's Emergency Department remains available 24/7 for all genuine paediatric emergencies.
Visitor Notice: To protect vulnerable children, please do not visit if you or your child has flu-like symptoms unless absolutely necessary. If your visit cannot be postponed, please wear a face covering.
Children's Emergency Department
This facility is a Children's Emergency Department, providing care for serious and life-threatening conditions in children aged 0-18 years. The department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For less serious conditions, please consider contacting your GP, pharmacist, or NHS 111 first.
Contact Information
Address
274 Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BA (Royal Hospitals Site)
Phone
028 9024 0503Website
Visit Hospital WebsiteOpening Hours
Children's Emergency Department open 24 hours, 7 days per week
Age Range
Children from birth to 18 years
NHS Trust
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Transport Information
Parking
Car parking is available on site at the Royal Hospitals. Multiple car parks are available with special provisions for families with children attending appointments or emergencies.
Public Transport
Multiple bus routes serve the Royal Hospitals site including services along Grosvenor Road and Falls Road. The Children's Hospital is located on the same site as the Royal Victoria Hospital and is well-connected to Belfast's public transport network.
Location
Children's Services Available
Paediatric Specialties
Important Information
Wait times are estimates and may change based on your child's needs and emergency situations. Children are seen based on clinical priority, not arrival time. The most seriously ill and injured children will always be seen first and as quickly as possible, regardless of wait times.
For children's emergencies such as:
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Seizures or fits
- Severe allergic reactions
- Head injuries with vomiting or drowsiness
- Burns or scalds
- Suspected broken bones
- Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
- Poisoning or swallowing harmful substances
Go to Children's Emergency Department or call 999 immediately.
More information on when to go to Children's A&EFrequently Asked Questions
Serving Families Near Royal Children's Hospital Belfast, Northern Ireland (NI)
Royal Children's Hospital provides emergency and healthcare services to children and families from across Belfast, Northern Ireland (NI) and surrounding areas, including:
Our real-time Children's Emergency Department wait time tracker helps families from these Northern Ireland (NI) areas make informed decisions about when to visit the Children's Emergency Department at Royal Children's Hospital Belfast.
Information on this page is correct as of December 2025