Your appointment (outpatients)
Your outpatient appointment is to see a specialist about your condition without being admitted into hospital. You may have an outpatient appointment before and/or after your admission to hospital.
Requesting an appointment
To get an outpatient appointment, your doctor needs to send a referral to the hospital. The hospital will send you a letter either offering an appointment or advising that your name has been placed on a wait list. Your letter will tell you which clinic you are required to attend and how to prepare for your appointment. If your condition changes or you are concerned about your health before the date of your appointment, please contact your doctor.
At your appointment
When you arrive, register your attendance at the reception desk with your appointment letter. You will be directed to a seating area near your clinic for you to wait. While we always try to ensure that clinics run on time, due to unavoidable delays there may be a 1-2 hour wait to see a specialist.
At your first appointment your doctor will discuss your concerns and health care plan. You may require an examination or further tests. Your doctor will let you know if you require further appointments.
Being seen as a public or private patient
On your first appointment, you will be asked if you would like to be seen as a public or private patient.
Medication
The hospital pharmacy and retail pharmacy are located directly opposite the Specialist Outpatient Clinic on Level 1 Ned Hanlon Building. You are welcome to use your own community pharmacy, however, some medications may not be on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and you may have to pay extra for these.
What to bring with you
Each time you visit us
- Your Medicare card
- Private health insurance card (if you want to use it)
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Current medications (prescription, over the counter and herbal medicine)
- Relevant x-rays, scans or any other test results or reports
- Glasses, hearing and mobility aids
For an outpatient or clinic appointment
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- WorkCover claim number (if relevant)
- Snacks, a drink or money to buy refreshments
- Something to read or do while you wait
Outpatient clinics contact
Please call the corresponding clinic number to:
- confirm your have received your appointment request
- change or cancel your appointment
- update your contact details.