Wounds of uncertain cause or non-healing ulcers
Emergency referrals
All urgent cases must be discussed with the on call Registrar to obtain appropriate prioritisation and treatment. Contact through:
- Caboolture Hospital (07) 5433 8888
- Redcliffe Hospital (07) 3883 7777
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (07) 3646 8111
- The Prince Charles Hospital (07) 3139 4000
Urgent cases accepted via phone must be accompanied with a written referral and a copy faxed immediately to the Central Patient Intake Unit: 1300 364 952.
Does your patient wish to be referred?
Minimum referral criteria
Does your patient meet the minimum referral criteria?
Category 1
Appointment within 30 days is desirable
- Wound or ulcer of uncertain aetiology that is progressing in size despite adequate dressings and leg elevation
- Uncomplicated foot ulcer in diabetic patient of recent onset
- Suspected malignant ulcer
- Acute onset varicose or arterial ulcer
- Acute onset ulcer in patients receiving high dose steroids or immunosuppressive agents
Category 2
Appointment within 90 days is desirable
- Subacute or chronic ulcer of uncertain aetiology that is not responding to appropriate treatment
Category 3
Appointment within 365 days is desirable
- No category 3 criteria
If your patient does not meet the minimum referral criteria
Consider other treatment pathways or an alternative diagnosis.
If you still need to refer your patient:
- Please explain why (e.g. warning signs or symptoms, clinical modifiers, uncertain about diagnosis, etc.)
- Please note that your referral may not be accepted or may be redirected to another service
Other important information for referring practitioners
Not an exhaustive list
- The Wounds Australia Standards for Wound Prevention and Management may provide additional management guidance.
- Consider using the Tissue, Infection/Inflammation, Moisture, Epithelial/Edge (T.I.M.E.) model.
- Consider referring to the eTG section on Cellulitis particularly for appropriate antibiotic management.
- Consider using the Bates-Jenson Wound Assessment Tool.
- Consider referral to a dietitian to optimise nutritional status for wound healing.
- Consider referral to a podiatrist or high risk foot clinic for assessment and wound care of foot/ankle wounds.
- Refer to HealthPathways for assessment and management information if available
Referral requirements
A referral may be rejected without the following information.
Send referral
Hotline: 1300 364 938
Fax: 1300 364 952
Electronic: eReferral system
Mail: Metro North Central Patient Intake
Aspley Community Centre
776 Zillmere Road
ASPLEY QLD 4034
Health pathways
Access to Health Pathways is free for clinicians in Metro North Brisbane.
For login details email:
healthpathways
Login to Brisbane North Health Pathways:
brisbanenorth.