To make an appointment at our clinic, you will need a referral from your GP, paediatrician or specialist. 

They will assess your child, discuss your concerns, and make a referral to the appropriate service.  

Our department uses Consultmed to manage referrals. Your referring clinician sends the e-referral to us using the secure Consultmed platform.  

Once we receive the referral, we will send you an email with your tracking information. We will update you as we process the referral and book your appointment. 

To receive these updates, please ask your referring clinician to include your email on the referral.  

If your clinician has questions about Consultmed or require technical support, they can contact helpdesk@consultmed.co.  

If you need help or have questions about the referral and appointment process, please contact us.

Phone: (02) 9382 1776  or (02) 9382 1784 (during business hours)

Email: schn-sch-opd@health.nsw.gov.au 

When you make an appointment with us, please let us know about any particular needs you or your child may have so we can do our best to meet them. 

On the day of your appointment, your child will be seen by a member of the surgical team, which could include residents, medical students, fellows and/or a specialist nurse. 

We’ll talk with you, and if appropriate, your child, about why you have come to the clinic, and we’ll ask you some questions to get the full picture. 

Clinical assessment 

The doctor may need to examine your child. 

You can stay during the exam, or if your child prefers privacy, a nurse will be there with the doctor while your child is examined. We use positive techniques to encourage children who may not want to be examined to cooperate. We welcome your help if needed.

If you have any concerns, please let us know. 

Diagnosis and tests 

Sometimes a diagnosis can be made with a clinical assessment only, but other times we need more information from tests.

Tests could include blood tests, x-rays, ultrasounds or other scans. If any tests are needed, we will organise these and afterwards, we’ll get you to come back to the clinic so we can review the results.

Once we have a diagnosis, we will plan how to best manage things with you. This may include follow-up visits, referral to a specialist, or care by your family doctor.

Operation 

If your child needs an operation, we’ll thoroughly explain the procedure to you and or your child.

We never want to frighten your child, but it’s important to be honest and explain things in their terms. We will reassure them about any questions they have. 

Consent 

You will need to sign a consent form for the operation and to fill in a questionnaire about your child’s general health. This helps our team prepare and make sure your child receives the right care when they are admitted. 

Based on NSW Health policy, your child’s operation will be prioritised according to urgency. 

There are three categories: 

• 30 days 

• 90 days 

• 60 days 

Your doctor will explain which category your child's operation is in. 

We’ll send you a letter to confirm your child's position on the waiting list. If you are concerned about the timeline, or if your child's condition changes while waiting for the operation date, please contact the department to arrange a review.