Obstetrics

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.

For the assessment, comprehensive care and management of pregnant women including pre-natal diagnostic testing and high risk pregnancies

Availability

North South North West Statewide

Scope

THS North West Region

Does not manage high risk pregnancies. Patients are referred to Northern Region.

Statewide

Antenatal care will either be midwifery led or collaborative models.  Women will be directed to the most suitable model based upon clinical risk and maternal preference.

Additional information:

South

North

  • Access to perinatal mental health team within THS North is via referral to Perinatal Mental Health Clinician within the obstetrics clinic.
  • Genetic counselling is organised as required.  Amniocentesis is available.
  • For pregnancy complications see Early Pregnancy Assessment Service and Pregnancy Assessment Centre.

North West

  • Access to perinatal mental health can be arranged within the clinic.
  • Women with pregnancy related issues should contact 1800 940 766 (MCH) or 1800 940 747 (NWRH) for advice.

Emergency conditions

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

  • Signs of severe pre-eclampsia
  • Haemo-dynamically unstable patients
  • Suspected ectopic pregnancy

Referral process

Where available (currently THS North and North West), please refer via HealthLink eReferral through your software system (either Best Practice, or Medical Director). For instructions, see Quick Guide: Creating an eReferral.

Where eReferral is unavailable, a referral using the Statewide Antenatal Template is required for all new referrals in line with the Referral Standards. This template can also be added as an attachment to eReferrals.

Referrals must include patient and referrer demographics, history of presenting complaint, clinical examination findings, medications, allergies, relevant past and family history and relevant investigations for the comprehensive assessment of patient risk.  Where insufficient information is provided the referral may be returned for clarification of details.  See Referral Non-acceptance.

Referrals are triaged to appropriate specialist care clinics according to the information provided.  Where the referrer or patient has special concerns or needs please detail these in the referral under “additional information”.

For further information:

Consider additional national services The Australian Parenting Website and Red Nose (SIDS and Kids).

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.

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

  • Healthy Smiles for Two pilot project enables eligible pregnant women who live in the North West of Tasmania to be provided priority dental appointments with Oral Health Services Tasmania at a North West clinic.