Contact

Referral process for clinicians

Our department is using Consultmed to manage referrals. The Consultmed platform allows health professionals to send e-referrals to us securely.   

Consultmed questions and technical support: helpdesk@consultmed.co

Upload a referral

Referral process for parents and carers

Request a referral

For appointments requiring a referral, you will need to get a referral from your GP, paediatrician or specialist. 

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

Track your referral

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.  

Need support?

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

IBD nurse: SCHN-CHW-IBDService@health.nsw.gov.au

Appointments: SCHN-CHW-Outpatients@health.nsw.gov.au

Clinic and appointment information

If directed on the IBD Flare Management Plan (YELLOW) to book an IBD clinic appointment please send us an email.

Email: SCHN-CHW-Gastroenterology@health.nsw.gov.au

  • Ensure to state you have followed the Flare Management Plan and need an appointment so that the next available appointment can be provided 
  • Infection must always be excluded before treatment of a flare is commenced
  • If you decide your child needs immediate review please present to your GP or your nearest Emergency Department
  • Your child's GP will receive regular written correspondence from their treating Gastroenterologist to update them on the child's progress
  • Your GP can contact the Gastroenterologist on-call for advice via the Hospital Switchboard.

Clinic times:

  • Wednesday mornings
  • Urgent IBD patient reviews: Thursday afternoons (fortnightly)

Clinic location: Outpatients Clinic 3 (Albert Shun clinic), Outpatients Dept, Level 3, The Children's Hospital at Westmead

If your child is unwell

If your child is unwell with a cough, cold, runny nose or flu–like symptoms please take them to the GP for medical advice.

If your child is on medications that modify their immune system (these include steroids, azathioprine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, biologics such as infliximab, vedolizumab, Ustekinumab, tofacitinib, Upadacitinib, tacrolimus and cyclosporin) and they are unwell or have a fever greater than 38 degrees, we recommend presenting to the nearest hospital Emergency Department for medical assessment.

Your child’s medical team will be contacted on arrival to ED as required. 

IBD Flare Management Plan

The following guidelines are adapted from CHOC (Children's Hospital Orange County) 'Guide for your IBD Road to Wellness', CHOC Children’s Hospital, 1201 W. La Veta Avenue, Orange, CA 92868, USA

GREEN = MONITOR

If you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain that is bearable
  • First sight of blood in stool
  • Mild increased bowel motions (partially formed) 3-5 times in 24 hours
  • Waking at night for bowel movement
  • Change in appetite and/or energy for 24-48 hours

You need to:

  • Go to the GP 
  • Ensure medication compliance 
  • Complete blood & stool tests to exclude infection 
  • Reduce stress 
  • Avoid dietary triggers 
  • Ensure future IBD clinic appointment is booked

YELLOW = CONTACT

If you have any of the following symptoms: 

  • Abdominal pain that is bearable and relieved with intervention 
  • Blood <50% small amount with most stools 
  • Increased bowel motions (partially formed) 6-8 times in 24 hours 
  • Decreased appetite or fatigue >48hrs 
  • Joint pain affecting mobility

You need to:

  • Contact:
  • If you do not receive a response and you are still concerned, contact your GP or nearest Hospital Emergency Department.

RED = STOP

If you have any of the following symptoms: 

  • Abdominal pain that is not relieved with intervention •
  • Blood >50% of all stools and/or clots 
  • Persistent diarrhoea >8 times in 24 hours 
  • Dark green vomit 
  • Dehydration – no oral intake 
  • Fever >38deg whilst on steroids, biological or immunomodulator medications that suppress your immune system

You need to: Present to nearest Hospital Emergency Department for medical assessment

  • If you have been given specific guidance by the IBD team when symptoms increase, please follow the plan. 
  • If you have not received a response during business hours, please contact your GP for medical advice. 
  • If you are concerned and have done all you can to manage the symptoms, please present to nearest hospital

Handbook for parents and carers

We've put together a range of helpful information on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases including causes, diagnosis, treatment and management of flare ups. 

See the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) handbook

Factsheets

Browse all factsheets

Patient and family support

A smiling Aboriginal family.
Services for Aboriginal families
Our Aboriginal Hospital Liaison and Education officers play an important role in the care and welfare of and advocacy for Aboriginal patients and families, helping ensure a responsive and respectful patient journey.
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Interpreter and translation services
We can arrange a free interpreter for you. Interpreters are available for over 50 languages. Tell us which language you speak when your child is admitted, or let your nurse know.
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Cartula Health app
The Cartula Health app helps manage and inform you about your healthcare journey at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. You can organise your appointments and hospital documents all in one place!