Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children
Frequently Asked Questions about the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children
General FAQs
Q: When does the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children (BRHFC) open?
A: The Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children opened in August 2012.
Q: What is the physical address for the BRHFC?
A: The Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children's physical address is 1601 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233, but Children’s continues to use its longtime mailing address as its “official” address, 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233.
Q: Where do I go for my appointment?
A: You will be notified which building, either on our campus or in another location, to come to prior to your appointment. The Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children houses the Russell Surgery Center and primarily inpatient services. The Lowder Building houses the Lowder Surgery Center, Sports Medicine and administrative offices. The McWane Building houses some inpatient beds on the Dearth Tower and many of our specialty clinics, 1-15.
Q: Where is the Emergency Department located?
The Emergency Department is now located in the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children on the corner of 5th Avenue and 16th Street South. Vehicles should enter from 16th Street. Complimentary valet parking for patient families is available during an emergency room visit.
Q: Do I need a badge or bracelet to be in the building?
A: Yes. Everyone entering the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children MUST have one of the following: Patient ID bracelet, Employee ID badge, Vendor badge or a Guest sticker. Guest stickers and information about vendor badges are available at the Information Desks.
Q: What is the Visiting Policy?
A: Effective March 2021, please refer to our COVID-19 resources page for the most current visitation guidelines. (https://www.childrensal.org/covid-19-visitation-information)
Children's encourages parents/support person(s) to spend as much time as they can with their hospitalized child and to participate in their child's care 24 hours a day (Overnight stays are limited to two parents/support persons). Please be sure to check with your nurse for complete visitation guidelines.
Building FAQs
Q: What is in the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children?
A: Visit this page to see a diagram that indicates all services in the BRHFC.
Q: Are all the buildings connected by crosswalks?
A: Yes, on our Russell Campus. There are crosswalks to connect the entire campus on Main Street (2nd Floor) all the way from the 5th Avenue Parking Deck to the 7th Avenue Parking Deck. These will allow patients, visitors and staff to go from one end of our campus to the other all on one floor. Additionally, there are three levels of crosswalks (bridges) connecting the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children to the UAB Women and Infants Center, one for the public and two for patients and staff. There is also a double level crosswalk connecting to the current facility across 6th Avenue South for staff and patient transfer only.
Q: What are the names of the buildings on campus?
A: The entire downtown campus is known as the Russell Campus. The Russell Campus is home to five primary buildings: The Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children (expansion facility), The McWane Building (current facility), The Lowder Building (ambulatory care center), The Harbor Building (home to Children’s Harbor Family Center and the Bradley Lecture Center), and Park Place (housing some outpatient clinics and parking).
Q: What are the names of the facilities off campus?
A: Children's South, Children's on 3rd and various practice locations.
Q: Do you have a chapel?
The Bew White Jr. Interfaith Chapel is located on the first floor of the McWane Building and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A Christian worship service is held each Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
The Meditation Room is located on Main Street near the Information Desk and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Chaplains are available around the clock. If you would like to speak with a chaplain or need more information, call 205-638-9090.
Q: What is the tobacco policy?
Children’s of Alabama adheres to a no tobacco policy (cigarettes, cigars, smokeless, etc.). No smoking signs are posted throughout the campus as a reminder. This is for the health and well-being of our patients. There are, however, designated smoking areas located outside the hospital. Visit for more information regarding the Birmingham Health District and our partnership.
Parking FAQs
Q: Where do I park?
A: If your appointment is in the McWane or Lowder Building, please park in the 7th Avenue parking deck. If your appointment is in the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children or Children’s Park Place, you will need to park in the 5th Avenue parking deck. Click here for directions.
Q: Do I have to pay to park?
A: One parent may park in the 7th Avenue Deck or the 5th Avenue Deck at no charge. The rates are $1 for up to an hour, $2 for up to two hours, $3 for up to three hours, $4 for up to four hours and $5 for more than four but less than 24 hours. The cost of getting out of the deck without a validated ticket is $25. Have your parking ticket validated at one of the Clinics or Information Desks. You can pay at one of the kiosks located on Main Street near the 5th Ave and 7th Ave Crosswalk.
When exiting the parking deck, insert your ticket stub into the kiosk at the exit gate. When your ticket has been paid or validated the gate arm will rise, allowing you to drive out of the parking deck.
The parking machines do not rely or recognize green arm bands. PARKING TICKETS MUST BE VALIDATED OR PAID.
Food Services FAQs
Q: Where can we eat? Is the cafeteria moving to the expansion?
A: One parent tray may be purchased and delivered to your child’s room for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. To purchase a meal tray, visit the Cashier located on Main Street near the Information Desk. Additionally, there are several dining options on campus for families and guests including The Market on Main Street (Main Street), the Café (first floor, McWane Building), and GO Store (first floor, McWane Building). The current cafeteria will remain in its location in the McWane Building and will serve the entire campus. Additionally, there are several restaurants in the medical center district within walking distance of Children’s.
Q: What are the cafeteria's hours of operation?
A: 7th Avenue Coffee Corner (Lowder Building) - 6 a.m. - 1:00 pm, Monday - Friday
Go Store - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday
The Cafe (Cafeteria) - 6:30 a.m. - 10 a.m., 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., Seven days a week
Main Street Deli - 24 hours a day / Seven days a week
View Weekly Cafe menus.
