Bookings, referral process and contacts


RPA Women and Babies and Canterbury Hospital have specific procedures for referring and booking a woman into the hospital for both routine and specialist pregnancy related clinics. Be aware that this process differs between hospitals and some specialist clinics may require additional referral forms to be completed by the referring GP.


All women should have their “booking in” appointment scheduled for ~12-14 weeks gestation.

GPs should discuss the various models of antenatal care (updated July 2023) and pregnancy pathway based on a woman’s individual needs.

It is important if you see a woman in the first trimester who you may consider a risk of complication of pregnancy that they can be referred for early review and do not have to wait until their first hospital “booking in” appointment. These women should be referred promptly to the hospital antenatal clinic (ANC) for triage. The ANC will determine the timing and clinic allocation.


There may be specific indications for discussion, consultation and/or transfer of care when first discussing a woman’s needs during initial visits. These indications are outlined in the National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral. These cover medical conditions, pre-existing gynaecological disorders, previous obstetric history and indications developed during pregnancy. The main purpose of the indication list is to provide a guide for risk-selection.

How to refer a woman

How to refer a woman

Select the hospital and the pregnancy risk level to view the referral process:

If you are uncertain about the best approach for referring a woman, or if the woman requires urgent review, contact hospital O&G Registrar on call or contact GP Liaison Midwife ph. 0425 230 662.

 Suitability for antenatal shared care

GP ANSC is an option of antenatal care for all women who have been assessed by the hospital as healthy and with a low risk pregnancy. It is the hospital’s responsibility to establish a woman’s suitability for this model of care.

Women will be triaged at their hospital booking in appointment according to their risk of developing pregnancy complications. Women triaged as Category A “low risk”, will see a midwife or ANSC GP for their second visit according to their model of care. Women triaged as Category B or C may require a 2nd hospital visit to determine responsibility of care.

Recognised ANSC GP will receive a letter from the relevant hospital confirming this ongoing model of care.

Please reinforce with Practice Staff that women who have opted for GP ANSC must have ALL scheduled antenatal visits attended by the Recognised ANSC GP. If ANSC GP is away, the woman should be seen by another Recognised ANSC within the practice or referred to the hospital for the scheduled visit.

 

Antenatal Record Cards

RPA Women and Babies and Canterbury Hospital will now be using the NSW Health Antenatal Record Card. These cards can be ordered through Finsbury Green.

  • Antenatal Yellow Cards (Product Code: NH612060), free of charge

Finsbury Green do have a minimum order requirement and will charge postage and handling costs. Minimum order is 1 pack = 250 cards P&H costs = $16.50 (incl gst)

Please contact Finsbury Green via email nswhealth@finsbury.com.au to place order.

Canterbury Hospital – low risk pregnancy

Step Action required Required by

1

Check if the woman lives within the hospital postcode boundary.

GP or woman

2

Assess if the woman has identifiable risk factors and needs to be referred for early specialist consult.
If yes, phone the Canterbury Hospital Midwifery Unit Manager on 9153 2133 or GP Liaison Midwife on0425 230 662 to discuss.If urgent, page O&G Registrar through hospital switchboard on 9153 2000.

GP

3

Complete the Sydney Local Health District Women’s Health Maternity Smartform via Healthlink,available through Best Practice, Genie, Medical Director or via the MyHealthLink Portal.

For more information about eReferrals and support with HealthLink Smartforms, see here.

GP

4

The service will triage the referral and contact the patient to book their first appointment.

Hospital staff

4

Complete the following and give to the woman to bring to her first hospital appointment:

  • Antenatal “yellow” record card. A clinical software summary can accompany this form

    DO NOT fax or post the form as it is not a booking request. 

GP

6

Bring the following to the first hospital appointment:

  • Antenatal “yellow” record card

Woman

RPA Women and Babies

Step Action required Required by

1

Check if the woman lives within the hospital postcode boundary.

GP or woman

2

  • For patients with identifiable risk factors requiring early or urgent assessment, complete referral with any relevant antenatal investigations as soon as possible. To discuss any concerns, phone the GP Liaison Midwife 0425‑230‑662.

GP

3

Complete the Sydney Local Health District Women’s Health Maternity Smartform via Healthlink, available through Best Practice, Genie and Medical Director.

  • Practices without Healthlink can use the MyHealthLink Portal. For more information about e-referrals using HealthLink Smartforms, see here.
  • Faxed referrals must use the dedicated cover sheet, including all relevant clinical details, especially any risk factors, and all relevant pathology and radiology reports. Fax to (02) 9515-3454 (referrals); (02) 9515-7452 (results)

Note: Please submit all referrals for booking visits at 8-10 weeks.

GP

4

Complete the following and give to the woman to bring to her first hospital appointment:

  • Antenatal “yellow” record card

GP

5

The woman will be contacted via mail (~2-3 weeks) with a letter noting her first hospital appointment date and further information required to be brought to the appointment.

Hospital staff

6

Bring all information outlined in the letter from the hospital together with antenatal record card to the first appointment, otherwise the appointment may be rescheduled.

Woman

RPA Birth Centre, Midwifery Group Practice and MAPS

  • Birth Centre, Midwifery Group Practice, and MAPS are popular models of care with limited availability – encourage your patient to contact the service directly upon first confirmation of pregnancy. General practitioner SmartForm referral via Healthlink will still be required.

 

Canterbury Hospital – early or high risk pregnancy

Step Action required Required by

1

Check if the woman lives within the hospital postcode boundary.

GP or woman

2

Phone Midwifery Unit Manager on 9153 2133 or GP Liaison Midwife on 0425 230 662 to discuss further (if required).

If urgent, page O&G Registrar through hospital switchboard on 9153 2000.

GP

3

Complete the Sydney Local Health District Women’s Health Maternity Smartform via Healthlink,available through Best Practice, Genie, Medical Director or via the MyHealthLink Portal.

For more information about eReferrals and support with HealthLink Smartforms, see here.

A clinical software  summary can accompany this form.

Ensure adequate clinical information is documented. This should include:

  • Reason for referral
  • Weeks gestation /EDB – to assist with triage urgency
  • Parity and previous obstetric history
  • Gynaecological disorders
  • Medical conditions including treatment, medications, specialists (name and location) and attach any recent specialist letters
  • Any other issues

GP

4

The service will triage the referral and contact the patient to book their first appointment.

Upon assessment, women may be referred to RPA Women and Babies.

Hospital staff

5

Complete the antenatal “yellow” record card and give to the woman to bring with her to her specialist consult.

GP

6

The woman will be contacted via phone of her specialist consult. Women will be informed about additional information required to be bought to the appointment.

Hospital staff

7

Bring the following to the hospital appointment:

  • Antenatal “yellow” record card
  • Additional information as requested by the Hospital

Woman

If you are uncertain about the best approach for referring a woman, or if the woman requires urgent review, contact relevant hospital O&G registrar on call or contact GP Liaison Midwife (0425 230 662)

Referral forms

How to import templates

These templates have been specifically made to be imported to your software or for use by printing out and handwriting in the form itself. The following documents can be downloaded to provide instructions on how to import these templates to your program of choice.

Antenatal Record Cards

RPA Women and Babies and Canterbury Hospital will now be using the NSW Health Antenatal Record Card. These cards can be ordered through Finsbury Green.

  • Antenatal Yellow Cards (Product Code: NH612060), free of charge

Finsbury Green do have a minimum order requirement and will charge postage and handling costs. Minimum order is 1 pack = 250 cards P&H costs = $16.50 (incl gst)

Please contact Finsbury Green via email nswhealth@finsbury.com.au to place order.

 

RPA Women and Babies

Form PDF Best Practice template Medical Director template
  • Use the Sydney Local Health District Women’s Health Maternity SmartForm – available through Best Practice, Genie and Medical Director
  • Practices without Healthlink can refer via the MyHealthLink Portal. For more information about e-referral using HealthLink SmartForms, see here
  • Faxed referrals must use this coversheet in order to be processed. Fax numbers – (02) 9515-3454 (referrals); (02) 9515-7452 (results)

Note: Please submit all referrals for booking visits at 8-10 weeks.

Additional service information:

  • The ANC serves as the centralised intake for a number of specialist clinics (listed below). You do not need to refer to these directly as the ANC will refer onto any specialist clinic(s) as required.
  • If you wish to recommend a review by a specific specialist clinic, please indicate this on referral and the ANC will arrange further referral as required. The only clinics that take direct referrals are the Antenatal Thyroid Clinic and Genetics Clinic – use the linked forms provided below for direct referrals, or request review via ANC referral.

 

Ultrasound and Fetal Medicine Referral Form ( RPA Women and Babies)

  • To be completed by GP for all ultrasounds and prenatal screening requests
    For administration requests/follow-up, FMU can be contacted at: rpafmu@health.nsw.gov.au
  • Consultant Midwife is available for any prenatal genetic screening queries – 0448 333 516

(Sept 23)

RPA Pathology Form –  Combined First Trimester Screening

  • To be completed by GP together with Ultrasound and Fetal Medicine Referral Form ( for U/S) to arrange First Trimester Screening

RPA Pathology Form First Trimester Screening

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Obstetrics and Gynaecology Physiotherapy Referral Form

Referrals will be prioritised with higher priority given to patients with:

  • Pelvic girdle pain affecting rest of mobility
  • Severe pelvic floor dysfunction including incontinence or prolapse

*Please note referrals for carpal tunnel syndrome can be made directly to RPA Hand Clinic by emailing referral form to rpahandreferrals@sswahs.nsw.gov.au

Referrals will be prioritised according to severity/ urgency and may involve a telephone consult prior to face-to-face appointment

RPA Antenatal Physio

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Antenatal Thyroid Clinic Referral Form

EPAH Antenatal Thyroid Referral Proforma

Clinical Genetics/Medical Genomics Referral Form

Medical Genomics Referral Form

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EPAS Referral Form

RPA EPAS Referral Form

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Hepatitis B Referral Form

HBV Referral Form

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Hepatitis C referral Form

HCV Referral Form

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Psychosocial Referral Form – to ensure referral is received contact Perinatal Mental Health

  • RPA on ph. 9515 5873
  • Canterbury Hospital on  9153 2000 page CNC or GP Liaison Midwife 0425 230 662

Psychosocial Referral Form

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Canterbury Hospital

Form PDF Best Practice Template Medical Director Template
  • Use the Sydney Local Health District Women’s Health Maternity SmartForm – available through Best Practice, Genie and Medical Director
  • Practices without Healthlink can refer via the MyHealthLink Portal. For more information about e-referral using HealthLink SmartForms, see here
  • Faxed referrals must use this coversheet in order to be processed.

Note: Please submit all referrals for booking visits at 8-10 weeks.

  • For patients with identifiable risk factors requiring early or urgent assessment, contact one of the following to discuss the referral:
    • the Midwifery Unit Manager of Antenatal Clinic (02) 9153-2091, or
    • the GP Liaison Midwife 0425‑230‑662, or
    • Page the Obstetrics and Gynaecology registrar through hospital switch (02) 9153-2000

Endocrine Maternity Clinic Referral Form – Referral for  women with GDM or thyroid disease

  • To be completed by GP
  • Fax to ANC 9153 2635 for review

Canterbury Hospital Maternity Endocrine Clinic Referral Form

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Other

St John of God
Free Medicare Funded Psychiatric Service .

The clinic provides short term assessment, therapy, and treatment plan. The woman is referred back to the GP for ongoing management. This clinic is designed for low income families and requires that the GP means test the patient prior to referral

CESPHN Perinatal Clinic GP Referral Form

Concord Hospital

Form PDF Best Practice Template Medical Director Template

Midwifery Group Practice GP Referral Form  

This service is available to women living in the SLHD region with a low-risk pregnancy. Women will give birth at either RPA Women and Babies or Canterbury Hospital.

  • Advise patients to call the service on (02) 9767-9021 to book an appointment
  • Referral form to be completed by GP
  • Give the patient a copy of the referral form along with copies of recent relevant investigations and pathology to bring with her to first hospital visit

This is a popular model of care with limited capacity at any given time. For this reason, patients desiring this model of care should contact the service as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed to increase their chances of obtaining a position.

For further queries about the program, please contact the service on (02) 9767-9021.

Concord Midwifery Group Practice GP Referral 2021

Referral Postcodes

Maternity bookings within Sydney Local Health District (SLHD)

For women who live in SLHD, bookings to RPA Women and Babies and Canterbury hospitals will be initially made according to  hospital postcode boundaries. Transfers between hospitals will be according to existing hospital protocols.

Maternity bookings external to SLHD

There are currently no restrictions on bookings to either maternity hospital where place of residence is external to SLHD. This process will be monitored closely by the hospitals to ensure the needs of women requiring maternal care are met.

RPA Women and Babies referral postcodes

Suburbs (A-D) Suburbs (E-N) Suburbs (P-Z)

ABBOTSFORD

2046

ENFIELD

2136

PETERSHAM

2049

ANNANDALE

2038

ENMORE

2042

PYRMONT

2009

ALEXANDRIA

2015

ERSKINVILLE

2043

REDFERN

2016

ASHFIELD

2131

FIVE DOCK

2046

RHODES

2138

BALMAIN

2041

FOREST LODGE

2037

RODD POINT

2046

BIRCHGROVE

2041

GLEBE

2037

ROZELLE

2039

BREAKFAST POINT

2137

HABERFIELD

2045

RUSSELL LEA

2046

BURWOOD

2134

HAYMARKET

2000

ST PETERS

2044

BURWOOD HEIGHTS

2136

HOMEBUSH

2140

STANMORE

2048

CABARITA

2137

HOMEBUSH WEST

2140

STRATHFIELD

2135

CAMPERDOWN

2050

LEICHHARDT

2040

STRATHFIELD NORTH

2137

CANADA BAY

2046

LEWISHAM

2049

STRAWBERRY HILLS

2010

CHIPPENDALE

2008

LIBERTY GROVE

2138

PROOF OF RESIDENCE REQUIRED

2012
(PO BOX ONLY)

CHISWICK

2046

LILYFIELD

2040

SUMMER HILL

2130

CONCORD

2137

MACDONALDTOWN

2042

SYDENHAM

2044

CONCORD WEST

2138

MARRICKVILLE

2204

TAVERNERS HILL

2040

CROYDON

2132

MARRICKVILLE METRO

2204

TEMPE

2044

DARLINGTON

2008

MARRICKVILLE SOUTH

2204

ULTIMO

2007

DOBROYD POINT

2045

MORTLAKE

2137

WAREEMBA

2046

DRUMMOYNE

2047

NEWTOWN

2042

WATERLOO

2017

DULWICH HILL

2203

Canterbury Hospital referral postcodes

Suburbs (A-D) Suburbs (E-N) Suburbs (P-Z)

ASHBURY

2193

EARLWOOD

2206

PEAKHURST HTS

2210

BARDWELL PARK/
BARDWELL VALLEY

2207

ENFIELD SOUTH

2133

PUNCHBOWL

2196

BELFIELD

2191

HURLSTONE PARK

2193

RIVERWOOD

2210

BELMORE

2192

KINGSGROVE/
KINGSWAY WEST

2208

ROSELANDS

2196

BEVERLY HILLS

2209

LAKEMBA

2195

SOUTH BELMORE

2192

BEXLEY/
BEXLEY NORTH/SOUTH

2207

LUGARNO

2210

STRATHFIELD SOUTH

2136

CAMPSIE

2194

NARWEE

2209

UNDERCLIFFE

2206

CANTERBURY

2193

WILEY PARK

2195

CLEMTON PARK

2206

CROYDON PARK

2133

Key Contacts

RPA Women and Babies

Clinic/Service Phone Fax Pager (Call 95156111 to page) Referral Form

Antenatal Clinic (ANC)

The ANC serves as the centralised intake for a number of specialty clinics, including:

  • Antenatal Diabetes Clinic
  • Birth after Caesarean Clinic (BAC)
  • Hypertensive/Renal disorders of Pregnancy Clinic
  • Medical Obstetrics Clinics (MOC)
  • Midwives Antenatal Clinic
  • Perinatal and Family Support Clinic (PAF)
  • O&G Rapid Access Clinic
  • Twin Plus Pregnancies Clinics
  • Young Parents Clinic

If you wish to refer a woman to a specific specialty clinic, please submit an e-referral to Maternity via HealthLink, including all relevant clinical information and attaching results. The ANC will triage the referral to the appropriate clinic allocation.

95157101

95153454
(referrals and initial results fax; please note e-referral via HealthLink is preferred))

95157452
(subsequent results fax))

Healthlink SmartForm via GP practice software or Healthlink Portal

ANSC GP Shared Care Clinical Midwife Consultant

0425 230 662

Aboriginal Women and Babies Clinical Midwife Consultant

9515 6586

0436 649 008

 

#87292

Birth Centre

9515 6405
( Mon- Fri 8.00am-4.00pm)

9515 6791

Healthlink SmartForm via GP practice software or Healthlink Portal

Midwifery Antenatal & Postnatal Service (MAPS)
(to discuss clinical care, please contact the woman’s MGP midwife directly on midwife’s mobile number listed on yellow card)

95154465

Midwifery Group Practice (MGP)
(to discuss clinical care, please contact the woman’s MGP midwife  directly on midwife’s mobile number listed on yellow card)

9515 8864

Healthlink SmartForm via GP practice software or Healthlink Portal

Delivery Ward

9515 8444

Diabetes Centre

9515 5888

9515 5820 (for GDM diagnoses, fax referral directly to Diabetes Centre)

Genetic Counselling

9515 5080

9515 5490

Referral Form

Gynaecology Clinic

9515 7101

9515 0998

Healthlink SmartForm via GP practice software or Healthlink Portal

Early Pregnancy Assessment Service (EPAS)
(< 20 weeks pregnant)

0429 728 608
(Advice line for
GPs ONLY)

(Mon-Sun 8.00-4.00pm)

Referral Form

Fetal Medicine Unit (Ultrasound Dept)
cFTS, NIPT, CVS, Amniocentesis, Ultrasound
rpafmu@health.nsw.gov.au

Consultant Midwife is available for any prenatal genetic screening queries – 0448 333 516

9515 6042

9515 6579

Referral Form

Hepatitis B (HBV)

9515 6228

9515 5182

Hepatitis C (HCV)

9515 7049

9515 5182

Lactation Consultant

9515 8422

Midwives Desk

9515 8090
(msg bank)

Parent Education

9515 5284

Perinatal Mental Health

9515 5873

9515 7452

Referral Form

Physiotherapy

9515 9853

9515 9751

Referral Form

Pre-conception Clinic (Pregnancy Planning Clinic)

9562 5600

9562 5629

Sexual Health Clinic

9515 3131

Social Work

Thyroid Clinic

9515 7225

9515 8728 (Fax referrals directly to Thyroid Clinic)

Referral Form

Canterbury Hospital

Clinic/Service Phone Fax Pager (Call switchboard 9153 2000 to page) Referral

GP Liaison Midwife

0425 230 662

Faxing results to ANC

9153 2635

Antenatal appointment bookings

9153 2091
9153 2092

Obstetric Referral Form

Birthing Unit

9153 2134
9153 2135

Midwifery Group Practice

0467 721 622

Diabetes Educator CNC

9153 2421

Midwife Practitioner

9153 2099

# 82220

Perinatal Mental Health

9153 2000

# 82062

Social Work

9153 2000

Page Maternity Social Worker through switchboard

Hospital clinics and services

All referrals for specialist consults should be first referred to antenatal clinic (ANC). The ANC will triaged referrals and the hospital will determine the timing and allocation to specialist clinic/s. This will ensure that all women are booked to commence their antenatal care.

The Obstetric Referral Form is required to completed for all referrals ensuring adequate clinical information is documented including:

  • Reason for referral
  • Weeks gestation/EDB to assist triage
  • Previous obstetric history
  • Gynaecological disorders
  • Medical conditions including treatment, medications, specialists (name & location)and attach any recent specialist letters
  • Any other issues

Routine clinics

Clinic/Service Purpose Day and time

Antenatal Booking Clinic

This clinic is the first contact women have with the hospital. Women will be triaged according to their current clinical risk utilising the National Midwifery Referral Guidelines.

Women triaged as Category A “low risk”, will either see a midwife or ANSC GP for routine second visit ~ 20-22 weeks. Women triaged as Category B or C may require a 2nd visit to determine responsibility of care.

Held regularly

Birth after Caesarean (BAC)

For women who have had a previous Caesarean Section for review for possible vaginal birth. Women with known:

  • uterine fibroids
  • placenta praevia

Referral Form is required to be completed

Held regularly

Birth after Caesarean (BAC)

For women who have had a previous Caesarean Section for review for possible vaginal birth. Women with known:

  • uterine fibroids
  • placenta praevia

Referral Form is required to be completed

Thursday PM

Midwives Antenatal Clinic

Low risk antenatal women are encouraged to attend.
GP ANSC women are seen at 30 weeks.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Registrars Antenatal Clinic

GP ANSC patients are seen at 37 and 41 weeks or as required clinically. Women with a breech presentation detected at 36-37 weeks are referred to breech clinic directly for review to discuss external cephalic version (ECV)/ birth options with Obstetrician and CMC.

Monday AM
Wednesday AM
Thursday PM

VMO Visit Clinic

Women triaged as Category B or C from Booking Visit are referred to this clinic from Booking visit for obstetric review. Confirmation of care option for the remainder of their pregnancy

Monday AM/PM
Wednesday PM
Thursday PM

Specialist pregnancy related clinics and services

Clinic/Service Purpose

Diabetic Clinic

Women identified with:

  • re-existing diabetes (including pre-conception) or newly diagnosed
  • Patients identified as Gestational Diabetic by either SGTT/FGTT will be seen at this clinic as per protocol.
  • Other endocrine disorders

Women with pre-existing diabetes or newly diagnosed GDM should be referred by GP directly to Diabetic Centre (Phone: 9515 5888 or Fax: 9515 5820). These women can be seen prior to their first antenatal hospital appointment.

Antenatal Assessment Unit

Offered as an outpatient service.

An antenatal assessment comprises: Urinalysis, PET bloods, 3 x blood pressure readings at 1 hr intervals, CTG (>28 weeks), USS – either Growth & Wellbeing or Wellbeing, Medical review.

Follow the steps below for booking:

  1. Contact Fetal Medicine Unit on 9515 8258.
  2. Complete pathology form (mark urgent) and arrange blood collection prior to assessment.
  3. Complete ultrasound/CTG form (include referring doctor and type of USS, if required) and give to patient.
  4. Patient to bring antenatal record card, ultrasound/CTG referral and Medicare card to FMU at time of appointment.

Genetics Service

Women identified with:

  • Personal or family history of genetic conditions (e.g. mental retardation, consanguinity, cystic fibrosis)
  • Chromosomal disorders (e.g. trisomy, translocations)
  • Congenital abnormalities or physical malformations
  • Personal or family history of genetic haematology conditions (e.g. thalassemia, sickle cell disease, haemophilia, coagulation or platelet disorders)

Referral Form is required to be completed

Hypertensive/
Renal Disorders of Pregnancy Clinic (HDP)

Women identified with:

  • Booking BP 140/90 or greater
  • Known renal disease
  • History of recurrent UTI’s in childhood or in pregnancy
  • History of essential /chronic hypertension
  • Previous pregnancy complicated by hypertension
  • Family history of eclampsia
  • Follow-up from hospital e.g. prescribed antihypertensives

When to admit:

  • symptomatic hypertension
  • biochemical abnormalities
  • neurological symptoms
  • pharmacological treatment refinement

There are options for referral depending on clinical urgency:

  • Urgent: Day Stay Unit – same day
  • Semi-urgent: Day Stay Unit – ring O&G Registrar on call
  • Elective: next HDP Clinic

Referral Form is required to be completed

Medical Obstetric Clinic

Women identified with:

Pre-pregnancy conditions

  • Anomalies- uterine, acquired, congenital
  • Pre-existing medical condition (other than hypertension or diabetes)

Previous pregnancy complications

  • 2nd trimester M/C, TOP or neonatal death
  • Previous spontaneous pre-term delivery < 34 weeks,
  • no subsequent term delivery (these women need to be seen by 12 weeks to offer cervical assessment)

Current pregnancy

  • Complex fetal anomaly
  • Ante partum haemorrhage (APH)

All pregnant women satisfying one or more criteria will be transferred for review and/or management by this clinic.

Pre-conception assessment is available for women who have have pre-existing conditions outlined above or women who have experienced previous poor pregnancy outcomes. Referrals will be triaged.

Referral Form must be completed and faxed to 9515 3454.

Perinatal Psychiatry Service

Women identified with:

  • pre-existing mental illness or at risk of developing a perinatal mental health problem

Referral Form is required to be completed

Perinatal and Family
Support Clinic

Women identified with:

  • substance use risk for this pregnancy and/or other psychosocial issues

or women sharing care between RPA Women and Babies and AMS

Pre-conception Clinic (Pregnancy Planning Clinic)

The clinic aims to provide care that will optimise health before pregnancy in order to improve maternal and fetal outcomes including detailed history taking, clinical examination, relevant investigations and referrals, and dietary and exercise advice.

Charles Perkins Centre, John Hopkins Drive

Fax referral information including patient details, past medical history and clinic details.

Phone 9562 5600/5607
Fax 9562 5629

Thyroid Antenatal Clinic

Referral Form is required to be completed

Twin + pregnancies

Women identified with:

  • Twin + pregnancy

Women should be referred at the time of diagnosis or by 12 weeks. This allows maximum time for appropriate assessment, counselling and discussion of management (including consideration of multifetal reduction).

Young Parent’s Clinic

Women identified:

  • Aged <21 years and/or vulnerable i.e. intellectual disability, social difficulties

Referral Form is required to be completed

Specialist womens clinic

Gynaecology Referral Form is required to be completed. Fax referral to 9515 3454 ONLY. Women will be triaged into appropriate clinic upon referral.

Note: Women requiring a Colposcopy should be refer to RPA Lifehouse NOT RPA Women and Babies.

Clinic/Service Purpose Day and time

Antenatal Booking Clinic

This clinic is the first contact women have with the hospital. Women will be triaged according to their current clinical risk utilising the National Midwifery Referral Guidelines.

Women triaged as Category A “low risk”, will either see a midwife or ANSC GP for routine second visit ~ 20-22 weeks. Women triaged as Category B or C may require a 2nd visit to determine responsibility of care.

Held regularly

Birth after Caesarean (BAC)

For women who have had a previous Caesarean Section for review for possible vaginal birth. Women with known:

  • uterine fibroids
  • placenta praevia

Referral Form is required to be completed

Thursday PM

Midwives Antenatal Clinic

Low risk antenatal women are encouraged to attend.
GP ANSC women are seen at 30 weeks.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Registrars Antenatal Clinic

GP ANSC patients are seen at 37 and 41 weeks or as required clinically. Women with a breech presentation detected at 36-37 weeks are referred to breech clinic directly for review to discuss external cephalic version (ECV)/ birth options with Obstetrician and CMC.

Monday AM
Wednesday AM
Thursday PM

VMO Visit Clinic

Women triaged as Category B or C from Booking Visit are referred to this clinic from Booking visit for obstetric review. Confirmation of care option for the remainder of their pregnancy

Monday AM/PM
Wednesday PM
Thursday PM

Specialist pregnancy related clinics and services

Clinic/Service Purpose

Diabetic Clinic

Women identified with:

  • re-existing diabetes (including pre-conception) or newly diagnosed
  • Patients identified as Gestational Diabetic by either SGTT/FGTT will be seen at this clinic as per protocol.
  • Other endocrine disorders

Women with pre-existing diabetes or newly diagnosed GDM should be referred by GP directly to Diabetic Centre (Phone: 9515 5888 or Fax: 9515 5820). These women can be seen prior to their first antenatal hospital appointment.

Antenatal Assessment Unit

Offered as an outpatient service.

An antenatal assessment comprises: Urinalysis, PET bloods, 3 x blood pressure readings at 1 hr intervals, CTG (>28 weeks), USS – either Growth & Wellbeing or Wellbeing, Medical review.

Follow the steps below for booking:

  1. Contact Fetal Medicine Unit on 9515 8258.
  2. Complete pathology form (mark urgent) and arrange blood collection prior to assessment.
  3. Complete ultrasound/CTG form (include referring doctor and type of USS, if required) and give to patient.
  4. Patient to bring antenatal record card, ultrasound/CTG referral and Medicare card to FMU at time of appointment.

Genetics Service

Women identified with:

  • Personal or family history of genetic conditions (e.g. mental retardation, consanguinity, cystic fibrosis)
  • Chromosomal disorders (e.g. trisomy, translocations)
  • Congenital abnormalities or physical malformations
  • Personal or family history of genetic haematology conditions (e.g. thalassemia, sickle cell disease, haemophilia, coagulation or platelet disorders)

Referral Form is required to be completed

Hypertensive/
Renal Disorders of Pregnancy Clinic (HDP)

Women identified with:

  • Booking BP 140/90 or greater
  • Known renal disease
  • History of recurrent UTI’s in childhood or in pregnancy
  • History of essential /chronic hypertension
  • Previous pregnancy complicated by hypertension
  • Family history of eclampsia
  • Follow-up from hospital e.g. prescribed antihypertensives

When to admit:

  • symptomatic hypertension
  • biochemical abnormalities
  • neurological symptoms
  • pharmacological treatment refinement

There are options for referral depending on clinical urgency:

  • Urgent: Day Stay Unit – same day
  • Semi-urgent: Day Stay Unit – ring O&G Registrar on call
  • Elective: next HDP Clinic

Referral Form is required to be completed

Medical Obstetric Clinic

Women identified with:

Pre-pregnancy conditions

  • Anomalies- uterine, acquired, congenital
  • Pre-existing medical condition (other than hypertension or diabetes)

Previous pregnancy complications

  • 2nd trimester M/C, TOP or neonatal death
  • Previous spontaneous pre-term delivery < 34 weeks,
  • no subsequent term delivery (these women need to be seen by 12 weeks to offer cervical assessment)

Current pregnancy

  • Complex fetal anomaly
  • Ante partum haemorrhage (APH)

All pregnant women satisfying one or more criteria will be transferred for review and/or management by this clinic.

Pre-conception assessment is available for women who have have pre-existing conditions outlined above or women who have experienced previous poor pregnancy outcomes. Referrals will be triaged.

Referral Form must be completed and faxed to 9515 3454.

Perinatal Psychiatry Service

Women identified with:

  • pre-existing mental illness or at risk of developing a perinatal mental health problem

Referral Form is required to be completed

Perinatal and Family
Support Clinic

Women identified with:

  • substance use risk for this pregnancy and/or other psychosocial issues

or women sharing care between RPA Women and Babies and AMS

Pre-conception Clinic (Pregnancy Planning Clinic)

The clinic aims to provide care that will optimise health before pregnancy in order to improve maternal and fetal outcomes including detailed history taking, clinical examination, relevant investigations and referrals, and dietary and exercise advice.

Charles Perkins Centre, John Hopkins Drive

Fax referral information including patient details, past medical history and clinic details.

Phone 9562 5600/5607
Fax 9562 5629

Thyroid Antenatal Clinic

Referral Form is required to be completed

Twin + pregnancies

Women identified with:

  • Twin + pregnancy

Women should be referred at the time of diagnosis or by 12 weeks. This allows maximum time for appropriate assessment, counselling and discussion of management (including consideration of multifetal reduction).

Young Parent’s Clinic

Women identified:

  • Aged <21 years and/or vulnerable i.e. intellectual disability, social difficulties

Referral Form is required to be completed

Specialist womens clinic

Gynaecology Referral Form is required to be completed. Fax referral to 9515 3454 ONLY. Women will be triaged into appropriate clinic upon referral.

Note: Women requiring a Colposcopy should be refer to RPA Lifehouse NOT RPA Women and Babies.

Clinic Service Day and time

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Clinic

Women with:

  • bleeding irregularities
  • post hysteroscopy follow up.

Wednesday AM

Endometriosis Clinic

Initial assessment of:

  • Endometriosis

Monday PM
once/month

Gynaecology Clinic

Women with:

  • pelvic masses
  • other noncancerous gynaecological conditions.

Monday PM
Wednesday PM

Pelvic Floor

Initial assessment of:

  • pelvic floor weakness/prolapse
  • postnatal follow up of 3rd and 4th degree tears.

Friday AM
twice/month

Recurrent Miscarriage

Women who have had:

  • recurrent miscarriages (usually three or more)
  • previous stillbirth (one or more) who are pregnant.

Seeking pre-conception advice and investigations.

Tuesday PM
once/month

Specialist Contraception Clinic

GP referral or referral from other RPAH specialty units.

Women with:

  • complex medical conditions requiring contraceptive advice and management
  • requiring intrauterine device insertion that is not able to be undertaken in the community setting.

Tuesday PM

Canterbury Hospital

Women requiring complex or specialised care may be transferred to RPA Women and Babies. Contact Midwifery Unit Manager on 9153 2089 to discuss further.

Women with BMI >50 or weight ≥150kg, pre-existing Type 1 diabetes, MC twins or a major medical problem would be referred directly to RPA Women and Babies.

 

Routine Clinics

Clinic/Service Purpose Day and time

Antenatal Booking Clinic

This clinic is generally the first contcat women have with the hopsital. Women will be triaged according to their current clinical risk utilising the National Midwifery Referral Guidelines.

Women triaged as Category A: ‘low risk’ will have either midwifery or ANSC model of care. If Midwife care, the woman will see a midwife for routine second visit 20 – 22wks. If ANSC, the women will see an obstetrician for 2nd antenatal visit.

Women triaged as Category B or C will require an obstetrician for 2nd antenatal visit to determine a management plan and responsibility of care

Birth after Caesarean (BAC)

For women who have had a previous Caesarean Section for review for possible vaginal birth.

BAC Education Sessions are available and women can be seen by a specialist BAC midwife

Thursday AM, PM
Friday AM

Monday PM (fortnightly)

Doctors Antenatal Clinic (O&G Staff specilaists, RMO, SRMO, VMO, Registrars)

Women triaged Category A/B , B B/C & C are seen through these  clinic. Review and assessment of responsibiity of care at 2nd visits by Obstetrician. Futher discussion ~ 36 weeks if women has had a previous Caesarean and is wanting a vaginal birth by senior obstetrician. Consents for elective C/S.

ANSC women are reviewed at 40-41 weeks or as clinicalled required.

Monday AM

Wednesday AM (Arabic and Bengali interpreter available)

Thursday AM

Endocrine Clinic

Women identified with:

  • pre-existing Type 1 diabetes (including pre-conception) should be referred directly to RPA Diabetic Centre ph. 9515 5888  Fax:9515 5820
  • Women newly diagnosed as GDM or ” Diabetes Mellitus in pregnancy” as per protocol.

Referral Form is required to be completed and Fax 9787 0431

  • Women newly diagnosed with Thyroid issues in preganncy as per protocol

Referral Form is required to be completed and Fax 9787 0431 

Wednesday AM, PM

Diabetes Education Clinic

Small group education for women newly diagnosed and those with pre-existing diabetes. These must be prior booked and will be arranged following processing of the endocrine referral form and results

Friday AM

Genetics Service

Women identified with:

  • Personal or family history of genetic conditions
  • Consanguinity
  • Chromosomal disorders (e.g. trisomy, translocations)
  • Congenital abnormalities ( eg cystic fibrosis) or physical malformations
  • Personal or family history of genetic haematology conditions (e.g. thalassaemia, sickle cell disease, haemophilia, coagulation or platelet disorders)

Referral Form is required to be completed

Midwives Clinic

Low risk antenatal clinic.

ANSC women are seen by midwife at 30 and 37 weeks hospital visit during routine doctors clinic (to utilise the variety of interpreters)

Monday PM
Tuesday AM, PM
Wednesday PM
Thursday AM
Friday AM, PM

Preconception – Endocrine Clinic

Preconception advice for women with pre-existing diabetes, thyroid conditions, polycystic ovaries.

Outpatient Clinic

Midwifery Group Practice 

This is a continuity of care model were the woman has her antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care provided by a small group of midwives. Women will be referred for medical review if clinically indicated