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Spasticity
Outpatients
Information about outpatient clinics for multi-disciplinary assessment and management of spasticity.
The Department will periodically contact patients waiting for an outpatient clinic appointment via SMS, with a link to an electronic form. This is part of routine waitlist auditing to ensure patient details are up to date. If you receive this SMS, please update your details.
Availability
North
South based clinic.
North West
South based clinic.
Emergency conditions
There are no emergency criteria. If you feel the patient needs to be seen urgently, within the week, it is suggested you phone one of the consultants to discuss prior to faxing the referral.
Emergency care
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.
Scope
Where co-ordinated management of spasticity in a team environment will provide functional gains for the patient. Treatment options include:
- Casting/Splinting
- Therapy
- Oral anti-spasticity medications
- Botulinum Toxin A injections
- Intrathecal baclofen infusion
Spasticity describes stiffness that occurs in muscles when there has been damage to nerves in the brain or spinal cord. Spasticity can lead to muscle shortening (contractures), spasms, changes in development and shape of bones and joints, and limitations of functional abilities. Spasticity can also make caring for the individual more difficult for the caregivers.
If the acute post injury treatment was carried out in the south, then the follow up, at least in the initial phase is likely to be in the south as well.
Referral process
A referral (preferably faxed) is required for all new appointments and must conform to the referral standards.
Specifically: relevant letters from specialists, issues, supportive history, functional capacity and private investigation results.
A referral is required for all new appointments and can be faxed directly to the clinic.
All referrals are triaged and allocated to consultant or unit registrar based on clinical priority. Registrar cases will be discussed with consultant.
Please indicate if an interpreter is required and for which language. We will arrange this when booking the appointment.
If cognitive or language deficits are present it is essential the patient is accompanied by a friend or family member to provide the necessary collaborative history.
Appointments are based on clinical priority.
Where available, eReferral via HealthLink smart forms is now the preferred and only secure method of referral to the Tasmanian Department of Health.
Clinic appointments
Urgent (Category 1)
Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Consultant/Registrar to organise urgent review and the referral must be faxed.
We will try to see these patients within four weeks, or sooner if clinically indicated.
Semi-urgent (Category 2)
We will try to see these patients within 12 weeks.
Routine (Category 3)
Next available appointment.
Additional information
For more information, please see the Tasmanian Health Pathways website.
