Oncology-Haematology (Paediatric)

This condition is treated in the Paediatrics clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

Clinic sees patients with cancer (e.g. Leukaemia, brain tumours), bleeding disorders (haemophilia, von Willebrand's), non-malignant Haematology (spherocytosis, sickle cell anaemia) and INR testing in children.

All referrals should comply with the referral standards and specifically include:

• Reason for referral
• Developmental history
• Past treatment if relevant
• Family history if relevant - sickle cell disease, von Willebrand's

Tests

• Do not delay referral for suspected cancer for results.

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Paediatrics clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Contact via Switch A/Prof John Heath, or in his absence, Dr Melissa Lambeth. Out of hours, contact the Registrar on call for cases of suspected cancer or for concerns about patients undergoing treatment for cancer.

Awareness of possibility of childhood cancer is important as it is rare.

• "Red Flags": Warning signs of cancer in children
• Also see Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA): Early detection of cancer in AYAs

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Long term survivors of multimodality cancer treatment with complications from this, or their cancer, may benefit from referral to Oncology Late Effects Clinic but should be referred to Paediatric Oncology initially.

Clinic appointments

🚩 Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Emergency

🚩 Systemically unwell patient undergoing cancer treatment

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Urgent (Category 1)

🚩 Suspected cancer

We will endeavour to see these patients within 1 month.

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Consultant/Registrar to organise urgent review.

For any urgent sexual abuse/assault concerns please phone RHH switchboard and ask Paediatric Sexual Assault Consultant or Registrar on call for advice.

Availability

North

Launceston General Hospital
Level 3 (Western end of Charles Street Corridor)
Paediatric and Adolescent Outpatient Clinics

Phone: 1300 977 694 (select option 3)
Fax: 03 6777 5242

North West

North West Regional Hospital
Phone: 03 6493 6300
Fax: 03 6464 1928

Mersey Community Hospital
Phone: 1800 636 455 
Fax: 03 6441 5928

South

Royal Hobart Hospital
Level 3, D Block (North) - Paediatric Clinics

Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6173 0469

Outreach Clinics are offered at various locations, but referrals should be sent to the Paediatric Clinic.