Spasticity Clinic - Royal North Shore Hospital

We provide treatment for:
•    Impairments and limitations arising from spasticity and related postural and reflex changes following neurological injury

•    Your referral letter from your GP/Specialist
•    Relevant images/scans/blood test results (including CT or MRI scan of affected area)
•    Relevant test and assessment results (including diagnostic and functional assessments)
•    List of current medications and drug allergies

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 the spasticity clinic. Once we receive the referral it will be reviewed by a doctor and you will be notified of the outcome and next steps. Please allow at least 4 weeks for this process to be undertaken. We generally see patients face to face although sometimes telehealth may be appropriate – our team 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.
 
If you have a scheduled appointment you will receive a reminder text message.
 
Please allow a full morning or afternoon for your appointment. Some patients require a longer review and delays can occur.

Indications for referral for clinic appointment

Indications for urgent referral to local Emergency Department

• Seizure
• Acute Crisis
• Baclofen pump dysfunction

Exclusion criteria

• Parkinson’s disease and related conditions (except in special circumstances by arrangement)
• Dystonia and movement disorder diagnosis
• Torticolis and dystonia management
• Baclofen pump insertion and refill

Out of NSLHD

Area-related referral criteria apply, including North and Eastern parts of Sydney and South Eastern Sydney LHDs, Central Coast LHD and Northen NSW regional areas

• 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:

• Date of injury, onset
• Severity of injury details (eg presentation, clinical and imaging findings, progress)
• Impairments and potential remediable issues
• Functional issues or anticipated goals

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

Alternatively, address letters to Dr Clayton King or other specialist listed below
Fax: (02) 9463 1065
Email: nslhd-accreferrals@health.nsw.gov.au 

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

Your Team

Dr Samuel Arthurs - Rehabilitation Physician, Spinal Injury

Dr Andrew Ellis - Orthopaedic surgeon, Lower Limb spasticity

Dr Clayton King - Rehabilitation Physician, Brain Injury

Dr James Ledgard - Hand Surgeon, Upper Limb spasticity

Dr Paul Silberstein - Neurologist