The new NSW Health statewide referral criteria (SRC) for maternity and gynaecology outpatient services went live on 1 June.
The criteria aim to support consistent referral processes, appropriate and timely care, clearer referral requirements and consistent triage timeframes as well as prioritisation of patients requiring access to public specialist outpatient services.
GPs and registrars are reminded it is best practice for all pregnant women to have their first antenatal hospital appointment before 14 weeks and to refer women to the appropriate antenatal clinic as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. GP care may continue, but please ensure the antenatal hospital appointment referral has been completed and attended.
Referrals to Bankstown-Lidcombe, Bowral, Campbelltown and Fairfield Hospitals are to be made via Consultmed. Consultmed is planned to go live at Liverpool Hospital in August. Please continue with the current referral process until further notice.
Women can also use the Booking in my Pregnancy (BiMP) webpage (SWS LHD Pregnancy Risk Assessment Survey) to refer themselves for an appointment in an antenatal care clinic.
For support around Statewide Referral Criteria, contact the SWSLHD Pregnancy Connect Manager on 0438 630 827.