Nutrition and Dietetics Adult Outpatient Clinic - Hornsby Hospital

We provide treatment for people over 18 years who have a medical condition that requires specialised nutrition assessment and nutrition advice, please see inclusion criteria. We provide this service in the outpatient clinic at the hospital and for some eligible patients in the home.

• Relevant imaging/pathology reports and blood test results 
• List of current medications 
• Your referral letter from your GP/Specialist
• Your Medicare/DVA Card

Your GP or non-GP specialist is always your first step in seeking treatment for any condition. You will be referred to our service if your treating doctor feels that your treatment requires the input of a Dietitian.  Once we receive the referral it will be reviewed by a Dietitian and you will be notified of the outcome and next steps. Please allow at least 2 weeks for this process to be undertaken. We see patients either face to face or via telehealth - your specialist will let you know what the best option is for you.   

 
Please note that phone calls from the hospital will appear as a blocked number.  Please answer our call if you can and/or turn on voicemail to allow us to leave you a message.  
 

If you have a scheduled appointment, you will receive a reminder text message.   

 
Please allow 60 minutes for an initial assessment. If you require a follow up appointment please allow 30 minutes. Some patients require a longer review and delays can occur. 

To access this service you must have a referral from a GP, Specilaist, Bungee Bidgel Clinic, allied health staff member, after inpatient admission or from Tertiary hospitals.

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.

Indications for urgent referral to local Emergency Department 

• If you are experiencing issues with your feeding tube or tube dislodges

Inclusion Criteria

• Malnutrition
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancer
• Enteral tube feeds
• Gastrointestinal diseases 
• Gestational diabetes (group education program)
• Kidney Disease
• Neurological conditions with associated reduced oral intake and/or weight loss
• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes (some patients will only be eligible for the group education program)

Exclusion Criteria 

• For all Eating Disorder referrals, please visit the NSLHD Eating Disorders Service

Out of NSLHD

• Reason must be stated explicitly  
• Resident of other LHD that does not provide the clinical service
• Continuing care of existing condition already managed by NSLHD
• Demonstrated complexity requiring services of NSLHD 
• Compassionate circumstances, e.g. family, proximity, staff 
   

The following information must be included for referral to be accepted

• To access the service, you will need a referral letter from your doctor and a copy of your blood test results.
• The letter must include reason for referral, medical history, medications, and recent blood test results.

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. 

Please submit referrals using the eReferral system through HealthLink, which can be accessed through most clinical software systems.

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.  

Telehealth services are available, please indicate on the referral if you feel this would be suitable for your patient’s appointment.

You may be able to be seen at the clinic or at home if you are registered with My Aged Care and not on a home care package level three or four. 

Dietitians Australia