Recurrent Respiratory Infections/Tuberculosis

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.

Availability

North South North West Statewide

Pre-referral work-up

History

All referrals should comply to the Referral Standards and specially include:

  • Child hood history of recurrent pulmonary infections, pertussis, measles
  • Family history
  • Co-morbidities, in particular those associated with immune paresis
  • Past history including sinus disease
  • Current and past medications

If tuberculosis is suspected then referral should be made through

  • South: Department of Respiratory Medicine phone (03) 6166 7353 and fax (03) 6173 0462
  • North West: Dr Mabeza, Respiratory Physician NWRH  Phone (03) 6493 6300 and fax (03) 6464 1928
  • North: Respiratory Clinic LGH Phone 1300 977 694 and fax (03) 6777 5214

Tests

Pathology:

  • FBE
  • U&E
  • LFT
  • ESR
  • BSL
  • CRP
  • Sputum M/C/S
  • Sputa AFB (where TB suspected)

Imaging:

  • CXR

Investigations:

  • Nil

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Respiratory and Sleep Medicine clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

For Mantoux testing./BCG vaccination - please send through a valid referral to the Respiratory Clinic.

Refer to General Respiratory clinic if not responding to routine management.

For more information please see the Tasmanian Health Pathways website.

Emergency

Respiratory failure

Urgent / category 1

Suspected tuberculosis
Active pulmonary tuberculosis

Semi-urgent / category 2

3 or more (or recurrent) presentations of lower respiratory infections requiring antiobiotics in the past 12 months.

Routine / category 3

Management of stable bronchiectasis

Red flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

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:

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks.

Patients with suspected lung cancer will be seen within one week.

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Respiratory Department and/or the relevant doctor for urgent assessment.

Semi-urgent:

We will endeavour to see these patients within 12 weeks.

Routine:

Next available appointment.