A referral from a GP or other specialist doctor is required to access our services.
To ensure that our resources are directed towards those in most need we have a selection criteria to determine what problems can be seen in our clinic. The below information is mainly for GPs and other referring clinicians.
Inclusion Criteria
- People requiring physiotherapy services for injury or conditions of the hand or wrist
Exclusion Criteria
- Injury or acute conditions of the hand or wrist that require emergency care or review by a Specialist
- Patients that are covered by a Work Cover or Compulsory Third Party insurance claim – these patients are eligible to attend private hand physiotherapy.
- Patients that have already completed a period of physiotherapy care for the same injury or condition within the last 6 months at RNSH
For patients living outside of the RNSH catchment area wanting to be considered for receiving hand physiotherapy services at RNSH:
- A reason must be stated explicitly within the referral
- Must be a resident of another catchment within NSLHD or other LHD that does not provide hand physiotherapy services
- Continuing care of an existing condition already managed at RNSH
- Demonstrated complexity requiring services of RNSH
- Compassionate circumstances, e.g. living with family within the area, RNSH staff
The following information must be included for the referral to be accepted:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Address (or temporary address)
- Contact phone number
- Reason for referral to hand physiotherapy
- Acuity of the injury or condition
- Referring doctor’s details
-
Providing more information will aid the triage process and make it more likely that your patient will be seen in the most timely manner possible.
Referrals will be triaged and your patient will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible. This process may take between 1-4 weeks. You will be contacted if more information is needed.
