The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH), Queensland’s largest tertiary referral and teaching hospital, offers extensive outpatient services designed to provide specialist care without the need for hospital admission. These outpatient clinics and services play a vital role in managing patient health, delivering specialist assessments, treatments, and follow-ups efficiently and effectively.
What Are Outpatient Services at RBWH?
Outpatient services refer to medical care or treatment that does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. At RBWH, these services include specialist clinics, allied health consultations, pre-admission assessments, and some clinical procedures. Patients attend scheduled appointments to receive expert care for a wide range of conditions.
Key Features of RBWH Outpatient Services
- Specialist Clinics: RBWH hosts numerous outpatient clinics covering specialties such as orthopaedics, urology, vascular surgery, plastics, ear, nose and throat (ENT), maxillofacial surgery, and more. These clinics provide diagnosis, management, and ongoing care for complex conditions requiring specialist input.
- Pre-Admission Clinic (PAC): For patients scheduled for surgery or endoscopic procedures, the PAC offers face-to-face, telehealth, or phone assessments to prepare patients and optimize surgical outcomes.
- Allied Health Services: Outpatient allied health teams provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, speech therapy, and other supportive care essential for rehabilitation and chronic disease management.
- Clinical Procedures: Some minor procedures and clinical measurements are performed in outpatient settings, allowing patients to receive care without hospital admission.
- Referral Process: Access to outpatient services typically requires a referral from a general practitioner or specialist. Referrals are managed through the Central Patient Intake Service, ensuring appropriate triage and appointment allocation.
Location and Contact
Many outpatient clinics are centralized in the Dr James Mayne Building at the RBWH campus, located at the corner of Butterfield Street and Bowen Bridge Road, Herston. For example, the Urology Outpatient Clinic operates from Level 1 of this building.
- Phone for Appointments and Referrals: 1300 364 938 (Central Patient Intake Service)
- Urology Outpatient Clinic Contact: (07) 3497 3588
Benefits of Outpatient Care at RBWH
- Convenience: Patients receive specialist care without the need for hospital admission, reducing disruption to daily life.
- Comprehensive Care: Access to multidisciplinary teams ensures holistic management of complex conditions.
- Advanced Facilities: RBWH outpatient services utilize state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based practices to deliver high-quality care.
- Continuity: Outpatient clinics provide ongoing monitoring and management, essential for chronic and complex health issues.
Examples of Outpatient Specialties at RBWH
- Orthopaedics: Management of musculoskeletal conditions including surgery planning and rehabilitation.
- Urology: Diagnosis and treatment of bladder, prostate, and kidney conditions, supported by continence specialists and pelvic floor physiotherapists.
- Vascular Surgery: Treatment of vascular diseases with access to surgical and non-surgical interventions.
- ENT and Maxillofacial: Care for ear, nose, throat, and facial conditions.
- Plastic Surgery: Including skin lesion assessment and management.
Preparing for Your Outpatient Appointment
- Bring your referral letter and any previous medical records.
- Arrive early to allow time for check-in and any necessary paperwork.
- Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with your specialist.
- Follow any pre-appointment instructions provided, especially for procedures or tests.
RBWH’s outpatient services are a cornerstone of Queensland’s healthcare system, providing expert specialist care in a convenient, accessible manner. Whether you require a one-time consultation or ongoing management for a chronic condition, RBWH’s outpatient clinics offer comprehensive, multidisciplinary support tailored to your needs.
For more information or to arrange an appointment, contact your GP for a referral or reach out to RBWH’s Central Patient Intake Service.