What to refer - and how
A quick reference guide for referring to QuickStix
Appointments reserved in each clinic session for urgent minor illness and injury
Birth to 16 years inclusive · Minor injury and illness · Medical general paediatricsDr Tash Thomson FRACP
Specialist Paediatrician | Paediatric Emergency Medicine
Refer via: HealthLink: quickpea · referrals@quickstixpaediatrics.com.au
quickstixpaediatrics.com.au with bookings via HealthEngine
After sending the referral, please ask the family to book through Healthengine. Sending a referral does not automatically create an appointment. All referrals and booking requests are reviewed before the appointment is confirmed.
What to include in your referral
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reason for referral and desired timeframe
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relevant history and examination findings
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current medications and allergies
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relevant investigations, imaging or reports
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significant medical history
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parent or carer contact details
SNAC
Same/Next Available Clinic
Minor Injury and Illness
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Fever in children over three months who are otherwise well-appearing
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Respiratory: Wheeze, cough, bronchiolitis, URTI, asthma, mild-to-moderate croup, ear infections, sore throat
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Gastro: Vomiting, diarrhoea, mild-moderate dehydration
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Acute rashes
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UTI
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Acute minor injuries - head injury, minor wounds, limb injuries without visible deformity
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Abdominal pain (without features of surgical abdomen)
ost-ED, Virtual ED or hospital-admission review
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Maternal and child health nurse referrals—newborn reviews
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Foreign body removal
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Minor wound closure
What referring clinicians can expect
We work in partnership with the child's usual GP and treating clinicians.
Following consultation, we provide clear correspondence outlining our assessment, management plan and recommended follow-up.
QuickStix provides focused assessment rather than replacing a child's regular GP or established treating team.
RAP
Rapid Access Paediatrics
In weeks, not months!
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Faltering growth, feeding difficulties
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Recurrent infections
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Constipation/toileting issues
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Recurrent abdominal pain
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Headache without red flags
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Selected allergy concerns, eczema and asthma
Nutrition: Iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency
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Sleep issues
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Tics
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Selective eating
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Rashes and birthmarks
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Concussion
Time-critical or RED FLAGS → Emergency Department / 000
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Significant Respiratory Distress
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Suspected anaphylaxis
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Significant Trauma or visibly deformed Limb
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Child who is difficult to rouse or has an altered conscious state
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Fever of 38°C or higher in baby under three month old
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Non-blanching rash, particularly with fever or appearing unwell
This list is not exhaustive.
QuickStix is not an emergency service.
Not for QuickStix:
X Developmental concerns and assessments / behavioural paediatrics (ASD / ADHD, global delay)
X Acute or significant mental health concerns, including significant anxiety, depression or eating disorders
X Complex chronic conditions requiring multidisciplinary or ongoing care
X Severe illness or injury
These need dedicated longer-term or multidisciplinary pathways, or the emergency department. Where possible, we will advise families or referrers of a more appropriate pathway.
Every referral is personally triaged by Dr Tash before an appointment is confirmed - so each child is matched to the right level of care.
Big care for little humans. Fast
