Hospital Liaison GPs

Patient queries
Any queries regarding a patient should initially be directed to the relevant Department (for outpatient appointments) or to Drs from the relevant specialty for clinical matters. A registrar representing each specialty is usually available by phone through the hospital switchboard at all times. Queries regarding current inpatients are usually best directed to the treating intern or resident in the first instance. If GPs have persisting or recurrent problems with a particular staff member or Department, then the Liaison GP should be notified by phone or Email.  Most Emergency Departments have a “GP Hotline” so a GP can talk directly with an Emergency consultant for clinical advice or to refer a patient – GPs may ring this line direct or access it via the hospital switchboard number.

Referrals
Any referrals to a hospital should be in writing and may be faxed or posted. Some hospitals eg Fremantle, accept electronically transmitted referrals. Referrals should contain basic GP and patient demographic details, and sufficient clinical information to allow appropriate priority and triage. In some instances hospitals will ask for further information. There are standard templates for hospital outpatients and Emergency Department referrals which can be found in the Resources Centre. Individual hospitals have special referral forms that are preferred by some Departments (see hospital websites below). However any written referral eg on practice letterhead, will be accepted.

Visiting patients
As a general rule, GPs are welcome to visit their patients and look through the patients medical records. The GP should identify themselves to a staff member on arrival at a ward, and ask the staff member for access to medical records if required. Regular visiting GPs may obtain an ID badge from Perth North Metro Medicare Local.

GP Hospital Liaison Program
Dr David Oldham is the Manager of the GP Hospital Liaison Program. He may be contacted with any queries on 0403 009 387 or email davido@pnml.com.au

GP Hospital Liaison Officers in the Osborne Region:

GP Hospital Liaison Officers outside the Osborne Region:

The Department of Health (WA) has established a website for GPs. This currently provides information on private referrals to outpatients (PRNI), Ambulatory Service Initiative (ASI), and referral forms and guidelines. http://www.gp.health.wa.gov.au