The Appointment
Once your doctor has advised you to see a surgeon, they will send one of us a referral or may give you one to take with you to the appointment. For a private appointment you can call us to make an appointment where and when convenient for you. In the public system your child’s referral will be prioritised and you will be sent an appointment date and time.
Please call to make an appointment
Dr Patel
Ph: +61 7 3333 1616
Fax: +61 7 3319 6412
Dr McBride
Ph: +61 7 3172 6739
Fax: +61 7 3162 3221
Make the most of your appointment
There is often one main issue to be dealt with at the specialist appointment. Your GP is a specialist in many areas and has referred to another specialist either for an opinion, or for further management that they cannot provide with their resources. A paediatric surgeon is a specialist for children who has extensive knowledge and experience with conditions that may require surgery.
Cancellations
Please notify us as early as possible so we may offer the time to other children, and arrange a more suitable time for you.
There are rare occasions your appointment may be postponed due to unforeseen emergencies with other children.
Your referral
Medical History
The referral doesn’t always include a full medical history of your child. It’s useful to have knowledge of visits to hospital, procedures and treatments already done.
The newborn examination booklet is useful for younger children.
Sometimes the issues can’t be seen all the time. Please have photos or videos ready to show us
Results of investigations
Some imaging companies may give you a card with the access details for us to access your images online.
Your concerns, preferences and notes
The referral doesn’t always include a full medical history of your child. It’s useful to have knowledge of visits to hospital, procedures and treatments already done.
The newborn examination booklet is useful for younger children.
Sometimes the issues can’t be seen all the time. Please have photos or videos ready to show us
Previous treatment details
What has been tried before? Bring details of medication and other health providers involved. We like to communicate and collaborate with other teams involved
Payment
- Medicare card
- Healthcare card – you may receive a discount
- EFTPOS / Credit Card. Electronic payment is preferred. Cash is not stored on site and change may not be available.
Entertainment
You’ll be given information during the appointment, and it helps for your child(ren) are entertained to enable a better discussion, and fill paperwork if required.
Support person
The specialist may provide a large amount of information, it can be a lot to digest. A support person can help in a number of ways.
How to prepare your child for the appointment
It can be unsettling for a child to attend a doctors appointment. They can be worried about a procedure, pain or simply an unfamiliar situation. They might consider it a punishment especially if they are threatened with an injection for misbehaving.
Talk to your child
Tell them what the visit is about, and it will be safe to show the doctor what is going on.
Ask about what happens
Ask questions before the appointment, such as what causes pain, when, what it feels like, and other associated symptoms such as nausea or loss of appetite.
Assure them it is safe
It may be necessary for the doctor to examine the genital area. This will always be done in a safe environment in your presence. They need to know its okay.
Experienced Surgeons
Over 25 years experience in paediatric surgery
Locations
Queensland and northern New South Wales
Appointments
Prioritised time for your child
Information
Conditions, procedures and aftercare
In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.