Breast Surgery

The Department will periodically contact patients waiting for an outpatient clinic appointment via SMS, with a link to an electronic form.  This is part of routine waitlist auditing to ensure patient details are up to date.  If you receive this SMS, please update your details.

Assessment and management of surgical conditions relating to the breast, including breast cancer

Availability

North South North West Statewide

Scope

  • Breast augmentation and cosmetic procedures not related to surgical management of a pathological condition are not offered.
  • Paediatric cases under the age of 14 should be referred to Paediatric Surgery.
  • Mammography is not offered in the public system.
  • McGrath Breast Care Nurse work statewide with both and private cancer patients and in clinics. They are there as a support and liaison person for these patients.

Emergency conditions

Emergency conditions/symptoms include (not an exhaustive list):

  • Unwell patient with systemic symptoms with breast abscess

Referral process

A referral (preferably faxed) is required for all new appointments and must conform to the Referral Standards as outlined on For Clinicians.

Referrals are registered by the clinic to who they are referred and are triaged according to the specific clinic guidelines.

Clinic Appointments - Appointments are based on clinical priority:

Emergency

Proceed to Emergency Department (ED).

LGH ED Reception  – Phone: (03) 6777 6405  Fax: (03) 6777 5201

MCH ED* – Phone: (03) 6478 5120  Fax: (03) 6441 5923

NWRH ED* – Phone: (03) 6493 6351 Fax: (03) 6464 1926

RHH ED Reception – Phone: (03) 6166 6100  Fax: (03) 6173 0489

Advice for medical practitioners can be given by the Medical Officer In Charge (MOIC) - see HealthPathways Tasmania for contact information.

*MCH and NWRH MOICs request GPs call them prior to referring a patient to ensure the patient is being sent appropriately to a safe destination.

Urgent / category 1

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Consultant/Registrar to organise urgent review and the referral must be faxed.

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks, or sooner if clinically indicated.

Semi-urgent / category 2

We will endeavour to see these patients within 12 weeks

Routine / category 3

Next available appointment

Referral template

For use by health professionals only

Additional information

If a patient has been through Breastscreen Tasmania, please send the letters from Breastscreen Tasmania with the patient and with the referral.

Please attach any relevant old or new imaging reports with referrals.

Advice for patients in relation to familial breast cancer risk can be obtained via the Cancer Australia website

Tasmanian Clinical Genetics Service: Information for GPs regarding hereditary breast cancer referrals