Outpatient referral pathways such as Smart Referrals, Medical Objects or fax to the Bookings and Referrals Centre ((07) 5687 4497) should not be used for emergency referrals.

These inboxes are not monitored around the clock or on weekends and using them may delay patient care in urgent situations.

As an example several children with Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis have recently been referred to the health service this way. As this is an emergency these children need to be non-weight bearing and go straight to ED, remaining nil by mouth until admitted.

For this and any other emergency presentations:

• Phone the GP Only Switchboard 07 5687 0003 to advise that the patient is coming
  
  
  
  
• Send referral with child or fax written request
  to:
  • Gold Coast University Hospital fax (07) 5687 4699
  • Robina Hospital fax (07) 5668 6145