Orthopaedic 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 all adult and paediatric orthopaedic conditions.

Availability

North South North West Statewide

Scope

Fractures that have had initial first aid treatment (GP or ED) are seen in the Orthopaedic Clinic as urgent referrals.  For urgent or unstable fractures that may require operative intervention phone the Orthopaedic Registrar on duty to discuss the case and also fax a referral to clinic.

Back pain please consider Neurosurgery Clinic or Back Assessment Clinic (south only).

Emergency conditions

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

  • Septic arthritis
  • Unstable fractures

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

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 (including fractures) should be accompanied by a phone call to the Registrar to organise urgent review in clinic 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

Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS): Osteoarthritis

RACGP Referral for Joint Replacement: A management guide for health providers

RACGP Osteoarthritis guidelines