Gastroenterology and Hepatology
(stomach, intestine and liver)
We provide specialised services to patients with gastrointestinal and liver disease.
Conditions treated
We deliver high quality personalised patient care, including the management of:
- gastrointestinal diseases
- liver and biliary diseases
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel diseases)
- gastroenterological emergencies such as gastrointestinal bleeding and foreign body ingestion
- bowel cancer screening.
Our services
We offer a wide range of services including:
- care for critically ill patients needing hospital stay
- outpatient clinics: general gastroenterology, hepatology and inflammatory bowel disease
- endoscopy/gastroscopy (for investigation, diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the upper digestive system)
- colonoscopy (for investigation, diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the large bowel)
- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP for investigation, diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the bile ducts and pancreas).
Our after-hours emergency service is managed through collaboration with Gastroenterology Services at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
View these colonoscopy and endoscopy educational videos to learn more about the procedures.
It is important that you follow the instructions give by the Redcliffe Endoscopy department as your circumstances may be different from the general information supplied in these videos.
What is a colonoscopy?
This video explains what a colonoscopy is and what is involved. Patients tell their story about preparing for the procedure and their time in hospital.
Preparing for your colonoscopy
We talk you through the process of preparing for your examination and what you need to know for your shopping list, including the things you can and can’t eat and drink in the lead up to your procedure.
Preparing for your endoscopy
Hear from patients who are having endoscopies about what it’s like and how they feel.
What might be found?
We explain what we will look for during your procedure and what happens if we find anything that needs treatment.
Understanding consent
Consent is important whether you are having an examination or an operation. We go through what you need know about the consent process.
About your procedure at Redcliffe Hospital
A message for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people
We have people on our team to make sure that you feel safe and comfortable when you visit hospital.
When will my appointment be?
Your confirmation letter, email or text message will tell you when your appointment will be.
Please allow at least two hours for your appointment. You may need to allow time for additional tests or treatments before or after your appointment.
We apologise if your appointment is delayed or running late. Our doctors and specialists can sometimes be called away urgently to other hospital departments. This applies if your appointment is in the hospital, by phone, or virtually (telehealth video call).
What do I do when I arrive for my appointment?
If your appointment is at the hospital you will be able to check into your appointment using the self-service Kiosks.
You will need to scan the barcode on your appointment confirmation letter, or swipe your Medicare card if you don’t have your letter with you.
Volunteers or staff will be available to help you check in at the Kiosk if needed.
If your personal details have changed, for example your phone number, address, Medicare card, or GP, you will need to present to the clinics reception counter so that staff can update your details on the hospital system.
What do I do after my appointment?
Please present to the clinic reception counter after your appointment to check out, this includes if it was your last appointment at the hospital.
All patients are required to go to reception prior to leaving as you may be required to sign a Medicare bulk billing form (where applicable). Staff will also need to confirm that your details are accurate on the hospital system. In some instances, staff may be able to book your next appointment with you while you are at the counter.
If you need to wait in line, please remember physical distancing is important.
How do phone and virtual (telehealth video call) appointments work?
If you have a phone appointment your clinician will contact you on the phone number you provided to the hospital. If your phone number has changed please call us to update your details before your appointment.
If you have a virtual (telehealth video call) appointment you will receive additional information from us that will explain how to attend your virtual appointment
How to access this service
To access this service, your GP or medical practitioner will need to send a referral letter to the hospital.
If there is no waiting list you will be offered an appointment by the hospital.
If there is a waiting list, you will receive a referral acceptance letter and be advised on what to do next. When an appointment becomes available, you will be contacted by the hospital with an offer of an appointment. You will need to confirm your ability to attend, or contact the hospital to arrange a more suitable time. If you do not confirm your ability to attend, the hospital will not be able to hold the appointment for you and will offer it to another patient. While waiting for an appointment, we ask that you contact the hospital to update your personal details if they have changed since your referral was accepted.
Refer a patient
To refer a patient:
Gastroenterology referral guideline
GP and Specialist Hotline:
1300 364 938
After your hospital appointment
Your doctor may advise that you require surgery. If this is the case you will be placed on a surgical waiting list and may need to attend the Pre-admission Clinic before your surgery.
What to bring
- Your Medicare card
- Private health insurance card (if you have one)
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Current medications (prescription, over the counter and herbal medicine)
- Relevant x-rays, scans or any other test results or reports
- Glasses, hearing and mobility aids
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- WorkCover claim number (if relevant)
- Snacks, a drink or money to buy refreshments
- Something to read or do while you wait
- An adult carer to support you and take you home
- Copy of Advanced Healthcare Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney (if you have one)
- A jacket or cardigan in case you get cold
- A dressing gown or cardigan, sleepwear or comfortable day clothes
- Slippers and shoes (low heel, closed-in, non-slip, adjustable and firm fitting around the foot)
- Your toiletries and personal items
- Copy of Advanced Healthcare Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney if you have one
- Something to read or do during your stay
- Medical devices required for your care (e.g. CPAP machine)
- Do not bring large amounts of cash or valuables such as jewellery, watches or other items of value to you
Clinics
Contact us
Location: Specialist Outpatient Department, North Block, Redcliffe Hospital or Paediatric Outpatient Clinics (please refer to your confirmation letter or SMS)
Phone: (07) 3883 7770
Open: Monday-Friday 8.00am-4.30pm
Endoscopic Procedures
Location: Day Procedure Unit, Level 2, Redcliffe Hospital
Phone: (07) 3883 7800
Need help outside hours?
For non-urgent medical issues call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit your GP.
In an emergency call 000.
Refer a patient
To refer a patient to this service, view the Gastroenterology referral guideline.
GP and Specialist Referral Hotline: 1300 364 938
For urgent consultation or patient referrals, please call (07) 3883 7777 and ask to talk to the Gastroenterology registrar.
Resources
Gastroenterological Society of Australia
Preparing for your procedure using the GLYCOPREP-O bowel preparation kit
Preparing for your procedure using the PLENVU bowel preparation kit