Your appointment (outpatients)

Your outpatient appointment is to see a specialist or clinician about your condition without being admitted into hospital. You may have an outpatient appointment before and/or after your admission to hospital.

Booking an appointment

To get an outpatient appointment, your local doctor needs to send a referral letter to the hospital outlining your medical condition.

The hospital will send you a letter either offering an appointment, letting you know that your name has been placed on a waiting list, or advising of alternative services. Your appointment offer letter will give you information about the clinic you will 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 local doctor.

Please make sure that you tell the hospital of any changes to your contact details including current home address, phone/mobile numbers and next of kin.

While you are on the waiting list

The hospital may contact you while you’re on the waiting list to check your personal details and to confirm whether you still need to remain on the waiting list. This is to ensure we can easily contact you immediately when an appointment is available.

Confirming your appointment

Once you have received your appointment letter, you will need to call the clinic and confirm your appointment. If you do not confirm your appointment, it may be offered to another patient who is on the waiting list. If you are unable to attend your allocated appointment, please contact your clinic to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

At your appointment

When you arrive, you will check in with either a receptionist or a patient kiosk. You will be directed to your clinic waiting area, or be sent for any tests required before your appointment. Our volunteer staff can assist you if you have any queries.

Appointment waiting times

While we aim to keep clinics running on time, some clinics may have unavoidable delays that can change your appointment time. We ask you to allow 2-3 hours for your specialist appointment. If you believe you have been waiting too long, please notify the receptionist staff at the clinic.

First appointment

At your first appointment the specialist will discuss your concerns, and health care plan. You may require an examination or further tests.

Follow up appointments

If your specialist suggests a further appointment, you may be asked to obtain a referral from your local doctor. Our reception staff or clinic staff will let you know if this is needed.

Medication

The hospital pharmacy is located on the ground floor, close to the outpatient clinic area. 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 if purchased outside the hospital.

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)
• Refreshments and something to drink while you wait