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.
ConditionsConditions
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