Dubbo Health Service has introduced e-Referrals for outpatient specialist clinics this month, following a partnership with Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD), eHealth NSW and HealthLink allowing electronic referrals (eReferrals) to be sent to the Service. 

The new system has been designed and built collaboratively between WNSWLHD, eHealth NSW, the Ministry of Health and representatives across the state. 

Healthlink eReferrals provide primary care practitioners (GP’s), specialists, nurses and Allied health professionals an easier way to send secure eReferrals to specialist clinics at Dubbo Health Service. 

With so many rural people in areas outlying to Dubbo having to travel to the city for appointments and health services, this is a way to streamline the process, by enhancing the triage and health management of each person’s health journey, reduce specialist outpatient wait times and improve patient safety. 

From the 11 September 2024, the specialist clinics listed below at Dubbo Hospital have moved to eReferrals via HealthLink: 

Referrals are sent via electronic forms which are set up via practice managements systems. Referrals are received and managed electronically by outpatient services and referrers and patients receive notification electronically making it more sustainable than the current process of faxing, emailing or posting referrals. 

Consultation processes will remain the same with information shared via electronic transfer to streamline the system. 

Debb Wood, Bogan Shire Council Director People and Community Services, is positive that the new system will be beneficial to practitioners and patients alike. 

“Dubbo Health Service are now doing e-Referrals for outpatient specialists, which our practice is participating in and which is utilised through the patients file on HealthLink.

“HealthLink is also the same link doctors use for driver’s licence assessment and certificate of capacity for Workcover.

“When referrals are sent through HealthLink, it is a much faster response time than email or fax. The medical practice will get an instant confirmation that referrals have been received. 

“If the specialist needs more information or is unable to see the patient (due to whatever reason) the medical practice will get a response straight back.  

“They will still accept emailed or faxed referrals, but it is a slower process and unreliable."