General Surgery

From April – August 2022, the Department will contact patients waiting for an outpatient clinic appointment via SMS, with a link to an electronic form. This forms part of a routine audit to ensure patient details are up to date. If you receive this SMS, please update your details.

Assessment and management of general surgical conditions. Please note related information can be found in gastroenterology and colorectal surgery guidelines

Availability

North South North West Statewide

Scope

THS Southern Region only

  • Breast surgery: see Breast Surgery guidelines. Note: breast surgery is also performed by Dr S Wilkinson via the General Surgical Clinic pathway.
  • Thyroid lesions please refer to thyroid Endocrinology Clinic in the first instance.
  • Obesity (bariatric) surgery is offered under strict criteria and in a very limited fashion.

Emergency conditions

Direct patients to the Emergency Department if urgent assessment is required, e.g. for the following symptoms/conditions (not exclusive):

  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Acute severe biliary pain
  • Cholangitis
  • Frequent vomiting
  • Haematemesis
  • Major rectal bleeding
  • Melaena
  • Obstructed or painful hernia
  • Obstructive jaundice
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Strangulated hernia

Referral process

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

Specific requirements are detailed in the individual clinic and condition referral guidelines.

Referrals are registered in the Specialist Clinic and triaged by each Consultant/Medical Officer.  Please specify the urgency of appointment required.

If the patient needs a colonoscopy/gastroscopy and you do NOT feel they need a prior clinic consultation, indicate on the referral that a 'direct scope' is wanted.

Tasmanian Health Service - Southern Region: For urgent referrals call the RHH switch on 6166 8308 and ask for the nurse in charge of surgical clinics or the relevant consultant to expedite the consultation.

Please indicate on the referral:

  • Reason for the consult
  • Tests and results already done
  • Urgency to be seen

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

For urgent referrals call the RHH switch on 6166 8308 and ask for the nurse in charge of surgical clinics or the relevant consultant to expedite the consultation.

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