Paediatric surgery

What is paediatric surgery?

The paediatric surgical unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital is the tertiary surgical referral service for Tasmania. We accept referrals from all regional hospitals and medical practitioners across the state.

Who we care for

We care for all children and young people from birth to 14 years of age who have emergency or elective surgical needs. The paediatric surgical unit performs general surgical procedures (both open and laparoscopic) including paediatric urology procedures.

What to expect at the clinic

You may attend paediatric surgical clinics for assessment before surgery or for follow up care after a surgery has occurred.

Paediatric surgery clinics take place twice per week, on Tuesday and Thursday, at the paediatric outpatient clinics at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Children and young people attending this clinic will have an initial nursing assessment, followed by a review with a member of the surgical team and specialist surgeon.

How to access care for paediatric surgery

A paediatrician referral is required. Referrals should be directed to Royal Hobart Hospital and can be submitted by your GP.

Learn more on the Tasmanian Health Service Outpatient Clinics website

Your primary paediatric surgical team

Your paediatric surgical team usually begins with the following people:

Child and family/caregiver

You and your parents/caregivers are important members of our health care team, you look after yourself and your condition every day. You can tell us about your health and how your condition affects your everyday life. We will include you in decisions about your health.

Paediatric surgeon

The Tasmanian paediatric surgeons are experts in both surgery (both open and laparoscopic surgery) and urology. They will review your health at each clinic appointment, make sure you receive the care and tests you need and will be involved in making decisions about your care. The surgeons will provide ongoing support to your paediatrician.

Paediatric surgical registrar

The paediatric registrar is a doctor training to become a surgeon. Once they have met with you they report back to the surgeon or relevant specialist.

Paediatric medical registrar

The paediatric registrar is a doctor training to become a specialist such as a paediatrician. Once they have met with you they report back to the paediatrician or relevant specialist.

Depending on individual needs the following health professionals may also provide care:

General practitioner (GP)

Your child’s general practitioner (GP) is a key member of your healthcare team.  Children and young people with surgical needs need basic medical care as well surgical care.

Other surgical specialists from the Royal Children’s Hospital

If you need a more complex procedure you may be linked with a surgical specialist from the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. Your local health team will discuss this with you if required.

Dietitian

The dietitian will assist in the assessment and management of your nutritional needs related to your condition. They will talk to you about your diet and make recommendations to support your health and growth.

Psychologist

A psychologist works with you to understand the impact your condition has on your life and helps you to overcome challenges, change your behaviour and improve your mental health.

Pharmacist

The pharmacist will help you understand your medication and keep your medication plan as simple, safe and helpful as possible.

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists are experts in musculoskeletal assessment and treatment. They can help with motor skills (such as walking), joint problems, pain and fatigue.

Occupational therapist (OT)

Occupational therapists help people to participate in activities they find meaningful and daily activities that they need to do.  These activities include self-care (such as mealtimes or getting dressed), play, learning, school, work, leisure, hobbies and spending time with friends and family.  Occupational therapists assess and assist with movement, thinking, sensory processing and equipment.

Surgery resources

• Kids Health Information (The Royal Children's Hospital): The Royal Children’s Hospital Kids Information website has good information sheets on operations and surgical problems.

View additional resources from the Child Health (Paediatrics) team

Other support

Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS)

CHaPS work in partnership with families of children 0-5 years of age and aim to enhance the health and wellbeing of all young children in Tasmania. They provide child health and parenting information, support, assessment and advice. Services provided include completion of age-related growth and developmental assessments from 2 weeks to 4 years of age and assistance with breastfeeding/feeding issues, nutrition, sleep and settling, post-natal depression and wellbeing, child-parent communication and behaviour management. Services are provided from many community locations.

You can contact CHaPS directly on 1300 064 544

24/7 parenting information and support is available through an associated service, The Parent Line on 1300 808 178

Learn more about Child Health and Parenting Services

Family Support Services

Some families may require increased support through a community organisation due to the complexity of their situation or other vulnerabilities.

Learn more on the Strong Families Safe Kids website

School

Tasmanian Government schools can access extra support or services to meet health and disability needs. It is important to discuss any individual requirements with school staff.

Learn more on the Department of Education website