This is for POWH Surgery Services
Cardiology Services - Inpatient Wards and Echo Lab
How we can help you
We care for patients with heart disease, heart rhythm issues, heart failure and other heart problems. We can help by diagnosing your heart problem and providing medical and surgical treatment.
Surgical treatment includes open heart surgery such as bypass or valve surgery. Medical treatment includes management of heart attacks, cardiac arrest, heart rhythm problems and heart failure.
We also undertake procedures to diagnose and treat cardiac disease, such as:
- Ultrasound (echo)
- Stress tests
- Angiograms
- Stents
- Pacemakers
- Cardioversion
Our service areas are all on Level 3 of the Dickinson Building and include:
|
Our service areas |
Contact number |
|
Coronary Care Unit - This is a 9 bed unit where critically unwell patients are provided a high level of care and continually monitored. The unit is supported by specialist nurses, cardiologists in training and cardiologists. |
9382 0200 |
|
Acute Cardiology Ward (Dickinson 3 North) - This ward has 26 monitored beds and looks after patients who are more stable than those in the Coronary Care Unit. |
9382 0220 |
|
Echo Lab - This lab provides exercise stress tests, cardiac ultrasound (echo) including transoesophageal echo and cardioversion. |
9382 0740 |
We also partner with Eastern Heart Clinic, a private clinic located on the same level. They assist with diagnosis and treatment using:
- Angiogram
- Angioplasty and stent
- Pacemaker and implantable defibrillator insertion
- Pacemaker lead extraction
- Valve procedures including valvuloplasty and TAVI.
How to find us
Level 3, Dickinson Building, Prince of Wales Hospital (Building 15 on our campus map)
We are a specialised team of cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiothoracic anaesthetists, intensive care specialists, nurses and allied health professionals.
The majority of our patients are admitted as emergencies, although some are booked admissions for investigations or procedures. Usually patients stay 3-5 days however some patients may require only a short admission and others may require longer stays.
You may find being admitted to a cardiac unit quite frightening and stressful, however, our staff are here to support you and your family as you recover.
Once admitted to hospital you will probably have a number of tests to determine how well your heart is working. You may be asked to fast (not eat) before these.
A significant number of our patients come from areas outside of Sydney. We have a social worker who can assist with transport and accommodation if required.
In general, 3-5 days however some patients may require only a short admission and others may require longer stays.
In most cases, you will need to see a heart specialist after leaving our hospital. If you live in the local area, we will give you an appointment to see the specialist you saw at our hospital. If you live outside our local area, or already have your own cardiologist we suggest you make your own appointment. You will need a referral from your GP to see a specialist. We recommend that you contact the specialist’s rooms before your appointment to ask how much the appointment will cost. Some of the cost will be refundable from Medicare.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.
My heart, my life app (Heart Foundation)
Cardiology Services - Inpatient Wards and Echo Lab
How we can help you
We care for patients with heart disease, heart rhythm issues, heart failure and other heart problems. We can help by diagnosing your heart problem and providing medical and surgical treatment.
Surgical treatment includes open heart surgery such as bypass or valve surgery. Medical treatment includes management of heart attacks, cardiac arrest, heart rhythm problems and heart failure.
We also undertake procedures to diagnose and treat cardiac disease, such as:
- Ultrasound (echo)
- Stress tests
- Angiograms
- Stents
- Pacemakers
- Cardioversion
Our service areas are all on Level 3 of the Dickinson Building and include:
|
Our service areas |
Contact number |
|
Coronary Care Unit - This is a 9 bed unit where critically unwell patients are provided a high level of care and continually monitored. The unit is supported by specialist nurses, cardiologists in training and cardiologists. |
9382 0200 |
|
Acute Cardiology Ward (Dickinson 3 North) - This ward has 26 monitored beds and looks after patients who are more stable than those in the Coronary Care Unit. |
9382 0220 |
|
Echo Lab - This lab provides exercise stress tests, cardiac ultrasound (echo) including transoesophageal echo and cardioversion. |
9382 0740 |
We also partner with Eastern Heart Clinic, a private clinic located on the same level. They assist with diagnosis and treatment using:
- Angiogram
- Angioplasty and stent
- Pacemaker and implantable defibrillator insertion
- Pacemaker lead extraction
- Valve procedures including valvuloplasty and TAVI.
How to find us
Level 3, Dickinson Building, Prince of Wales Hospital (Building 15 on our campus map)
We are a specialised team of cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiothoracic anaesthetists, intensive care specialists, nurses and allied health professionals.
The majority of our patients are admitted as emergencies, although some are booked admissions for investigations or procedures. Usually patients stay 3-5 days however some patients may require only a short admission and others may require longer stays.
You may find being admitted to a cardiac unit quite frightening and stressful, however, our staff are here to support you and your family as you recover.
Once admitted to hospital you will probably have a number of tests to determine how well your heart is working. You may be asked to fast (not eat) before these.
A significant number of our patients come from areas outside of Sydney. We have a social worker who can assist with transport and accommodation if required.
In general, 3-5 days however some patients may require only a short admission and others may require longer stays.
In most cases, you will need to see a heart specialist after leaving our hospital. If you live in the local area, we will give you an appointment to see the specialist you saw at our hospital. If you live outside our local area, or already have your own cardiologist we suggest you make your own appointment. You will need a referral from your GP to see a specialist. We recommend that you contact the specialist’s rooms before your appointment to ask how much the appointment will cost. Some of the cost will be refundable from Medicare.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.
My heart, my life app (Heart Foundation)
Cardiothoracic Surgery
How we can help you
We look after people with heart and lung disease who require emergency or planned elective surgery.
|
Coronary heart disease causes the blood vessels to become blocked from plaque which contains cholesterol and fibrous tissue. This reduces the blood supply to the heart, which can cause a heart attack. Heart valve disease may be present from birth or may occur later in life from infection eg. rheumatic fever, endocarditis, or wear and tear. You heart valves may become thickened and narrowed or my fail to close properly. Lung disease is any problem in the lungs that prevents them from working properly. For example, collapsed lung, chronic lung infections causing scar tissue, lung cancer. |
Our team will look after you before, during and after your cardiothoracic surgery.
Our service includes:
- Cardiothoracic operating theatres
- Cardiac anaesthesia
- A four bed cardiothoracic intensive care unit
- 18 bed cardiothoracic ward.
Contact Details
Ward Phone: 9382 0263
Manager: Margaret Woolford
Cardiothoracic ICU Phone: 9382 0471
Manager: Lisa Jericevic
How to find us
Our cardiac services are on Level 3, Barker Street (Dickinson Building), Prince of Wales Hospital (building 15 on our campus map)
Information about how to get to our Randwick campus
The heart surgeries we perform include:
Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG): This surgery involves the use of blood vessels to bypass blockages in the coronary arteries.
Heart valve surgery: There are four valves in the heart. A surgeon may be able to repair a diseased valve or may have to replace it, using either a tissue valve (made from the heart tissue of a pig or cow) or a mechanical valve.
Atrial and ventricular septal defects: An atrial septal defect is an opening in the wall of the heart which divides the upper chambers of the heart. A ventricular septal defect is an opening in the wall of the heart between the lower chambers of the heart. These defects may be closed using stitches or a synthetic patch.
Aneurysms: A weakness in the heart muscle from a heart attack may cause a bulge. This is corrected by reinforcing or patching the affected area.
Our cardiothoracic surgery team includes intensive care specialists, cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiothoracic anaesthetists, specialised nurses and allied health.
We work in partnership with the broader Prince of Wales Hospital cardiac services which include the cardiology ward and coronary care unit. We also are closely integrated with the Intensive Care Unit and Eastern Heart Clinic.
You will need a referral from your local general practitioner (GP) and a surgeon to use our services. If you need surgery, you will be placed on a waiting list after being seen by your cardiothoracic surgeon.
You will receive an email or letter from our Admissions Department with details on what type of surgery you need, the date and when to telephone the hospital. If there are any changes to your surgery date, the hospital will contact you.
The letter may ask you to attend a pre-admission clinic. At pre-admission clinic you may be seen by either a nurse, anaesthetist or the surgical team who may take tests, advise you on how to prepare for your surgery or discuss your care when you leave hospital.
If your surgery is planned and is in the public hospital system, you will be placed on a waiting list. Your surgeon will decide how serious your condition is and how quickly you will need to have your surgery. Sometimes it is necessary to delay surgery that has been booked to make way for life-threatening cases which are admitted through our emergency department.
If you have questions about waiting times you can call the Surgery Access Line.
If you are having cardiothoracic surgery at Prince of Wales Hospital we like to make sure there is a bed available in our Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit. Sometimes you may come into hospital for your surgery and an emergency occurs and there is no longer an intensive care bed available. Should this happen we will need to rebook your surgery.
If you are well enough and your surgeon recommends it, you will be asked to attend the pre-admission clinic to prepare for your surgery. This is done the week or even the day before your surgery.
There are a number of tests that need to be completed prior to your surgery, and these need to be organised by your local general practitioner (GP) and brought with you to the pre-admission clinic. These include a chest X-ray, and blood tests. Please wait until we have talked to you before having these done.
Before your cardiothoracic surgery it is important to be as fit as you can be. If you have diabetes we encourage you to see your GP and Endocrinologist to ensure your blood sugar levels are stable at the time of your surgery.
It is important to stop smoking before having surgery. Smoking drastically increases the risk of complications. Your GP can help you with this. Your local chemist can help you with nicotine replacement therapy or you can call the national Quit line on 131 848. You can also get support from the Smoking Clinic in the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Prince of Wales Hospital on phone number 9382 4641.
Before you have surgery it is important to organise for a responsible adult to take you home from hospital and to stay with you for two weeks after you return home. You will need to rest, so plan and arrange leave from work and for help with cooking, shopping, laundry and cleaning.
For more information on what to expect you can read these brochures
Or watch this video - Heart Surgery at POWH
You will need to bring to hospital:
- Your referral from your GP and your referral from your Surgeon
- Medicare card
- Health care card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Previous X-rays, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results
- Your regular medicines and a list of all that you are currently taking (or the boxes), including those you take without a prescription such as herbal supplements or vitamins
- Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame.
- For an overnight stay please bring: your sleepwear, dressing gown, slippers, personal hygiene items (e.g. shampoo, shaver, toothbrush and paste) and something to read or an iPad or tablet with headphones.
Please do not bring:
Your handbag, wallet, purse, or large amounts of cash. Valuables including jewellery and watches.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.
Cardiothoracic Surgery
How we can help you
We look after people with heart and lung disease who require emergency or planned elective surgery.
|
Coronary heart disease causes the blood vessels to become blocked from plaque which contains cholesterol and fibrous tissue. This reduces the blood supply to the heart, which can cause a heart attack. Heart valve disease may be present from birth or may occur later in life from infection eg. rheumatic fever, endocarditis, or wear and tear. You heart valves may become thickened and narrowed or my fail to close properly. Lung disease is any problem in the lungs that prevents them from working properly. For example, collapsed lung, chronic lung infections causing scar tissue, lung cancer. |
Our team will look after you before, during and after your cardiothoracic surgery.
Our service includes:
- Cardiothoracic operating theatres
- Cardiac anaesthesia
- A four bed cardiothoracic intensive care unit
- 18 bed cardiothoracic ward.
Contact Details
Ward Phone: 9382 0263
Manager: Margaret Woolford
Cardiothoracic ICU Phone: 9382 0471
Manager: Lisa Jericevic
How to find us
Our cardiac services are on Level 3, Barker Street (Dickinson Building), Prince of Wales Hospital (building 15 on our campus map)
Information about how to get to our Randwick campus
The heart surgeries we perform include:
Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG): This surgery involves the use of blood vessels to bypass blockages in the coronary arteries.
Heart valve surgery: There are four valves in the heart. A surgeon may be able to repair a diseased valve or may have to replace it, using either a tissue valve (made from the heart tissue of a pig or cow) or a mechanical valve.
Atrial and ventricular septal defects: An atrial septal defect is an opening in the wall of the heart which divides the upper chambers of the heart. A ventricular septal defect is an opening in the wall of the heart between the lower chambers of the heart. These defects may be closed using stitches or a synthetic patch.
Aneurysms: A weakness in the heart muscle from a heart attack may cause a bulge. This is corrected by reinforcing or patching the affected area.
Our cardiothoracic surgery team includes intensive care specialists, cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiothoracic anaesthetists, specialised nurses and allied health.
We work in partnership with the broader Prince of Wales Hospital cardiac services which include the cardiology ward and coronary care unit. We also are closely integrated with the Intensive Care Unit and Eastern Heart Clinic.
You will need a referral from your local general practitioner (GP) and a surgeon to use our services. If you need surgery, you will be placed on a waiting list after being seen by your cardiothoracic surgeon.
You will receive an email or letter from our Admissions Department with details on what type of surgery you need, the date and when to telephone the hospital. If there are any changes to your surgery date, the hospital will contact you.
The letter may ask you to attend a pre-admission clinic. At pre-admission clinic you may be seen by either a nurse, anaesthetist or the surgical team who may take tests, advise you on how to prepare for your surgery or discuss your care when you leave hospital.
If your surgery is planned and is in the public hospital system, you will be placed on a waiting list. Your surgeon will decide how serious your condition is and how quickly you will need to have your surgery. Sometimes it is necessary to delay surgery that has been booked to make way for life-threatening cases which are admitted through our emergency department.
If you have questions about waiting times you can call the Surgery Access Line.
If you are having cardiothoracic surgery at Prince of Wales Hospital we like to make sure there is a bed available in our Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit. Sometimes you may come into hospital for your surgery and an emergency occurs and there is no longer an intensive care bed available. Should this happen we will need to rebook your surgery.
If you are well enough and your surgeon recommends it, you will be asked to attend the pre-admission clinic to prepare for your surgery. This is done the week or even the day before your surgery.
There are a number of tests that need to be completed prior to your surgery, and these need to be organised by your local general practitioner (GP) and brought with you to the pre-admission clinic. These include a chest X-ray, and blood tests. Please wait until we have talked to you before having these done.
Before your cardiothoracic surgery it is important to be as fit as you can be. If you have diabetes we encourage you to see your GP and Endocrinologist to ensure your blood sugar levels are stable at the time of your surgery.
It is important to stop smoking before having surgery. Smoking drastically increases the risk of complications. Your GP can help you with this. Your local chemist can help you with nicotine replacement therapy or you can call the national Quit line on 131 848. You can also get support from the Smoking Clinic in the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Prince of Wales Hospital on phone number 9382 4641.
Before you have surgery it is important to organise for a responsible adult to take you home from hospital and to stay with you for two weeks after you return home. You will need to rest, so plan and arrange leave from work and for help with cooking, shopping, laundry and cleaning.
For more information on what to expect you can read these brochures
Or watch this video - Heart Surgery at POWH
You will need to bring to hospital:
- Your referral from your GP and your referral from your Surgeon
- Medicare card
- Health care card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Previous X-rays, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results
- Your regular medicines and a list of all that you are currently taking (or the boxes), including those you take without a prescription such as herbal supplements or vitamins
- Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame.
- For an overnight stay please bring: your sleepwear, dressing gown, slippers, personal hygiene items (e.g. shampoo, shaver, toothbrush and paste) and something to read or an iPad or tablet with headphones.
Please do not bring:
Your handbag, wallet, purse, or large amounts of cash. Valuables including jewellery and watches.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.
Admissions Department
How we can help you
If you are coming to hospital for a planned, elective medical or surgical procedure and require a general anaesthetic, we will organise a date and time for you to come to hospital. We will send you this date and time in a letter. This letter also includes other useful information to help you prepare for when you come to hospital.
On the day of your appointment you will come to our department to book in. We will go through the paperwork with you before showing you to our waiting room. A nurse will then come and talk to you.
For information about a surgery or procedure or enquires about your stay in Hospital, please visit our Surgery, Anaesthesia and Perioperative medicine webpage or telephone our Admissions Department.
Booking confirmation number
Phone: 02 9382 3409
This is an answering machine service only.
Managers
Acting Clinical Nurse Manager Admissions: Cassandra Northey
Acting Waitlist Manager: Alpha Burns
Clerical Manager: Gillian Stanbrook
Hours of operation
6.30am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday
Closed weekends and public holidays.
How to find us
Level 1, Dickinson Building, Prince of Wales Hospital (building 15 on our campus map)
Information about how to get to our Randwick campus
Admissions Department
How we can help you
If you are coming to hospital for a planned, elective medical or surgical procedure and require a general anaesthetic, we will organise a date and time for you to come to hospital. We will send you this date and time in a letter. This letter also includes other useful information to help you prepare for when you come to hospital.
On the day of your appointment you will come to our department to book in. We will go through the paperwork with you before showing you to our waiting room. A nurse will then come and talk to you.
For information about a surgery or procedure or enquires about your stay in Hospital, please visit our Surgery, Anaesthesia and Perioperative medicine webpage or telephone our Admissions Department.
Booking confirmation number
Phone: 02 9382 3409
This is an answering machine service only.
Managers
Acting Clinical Nurse Manager Admissions: Cassandra Northey
Acting Waitlist Manager: Alpha Burns
Clerical Manager: Gillian Stanbrook
Hours of operation
6.30am – 4.30pm, Monday – Friday
Closed weekends and public holidays.
How to find us
Level 1, Dickinson Building, Prince of Wales Hospital (building 15 on our campus map)
Information about how to get to our Randwick campus
Perioperative Unit and Day Surgery
How we can help you
Most patients who are having planned elective surgery come through our Perioperative Unit on the day of their procedure. 'Perioperative' means around the time of surgery.
If you are go home the same day or of if you are staying one night you will also return to the Perioperative Unit before going home. If you are staying longer than one night you will be transferred to one of our surgical wards.
For enquires about your surgical procedure, please speak with your referring specialist or surgeon.
For enquires about your stay in Hospital, please visit our webpage Surgery, Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine or contact our Admissions Department on 02 9392 9001.
For enquiries regarding your anaesthetic, please visit our webpage Surgery, Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine or contact our Anaesthetic Pre Evaluation Clinic (APEC) on 02 9382 3685 or by email to SESLHD-APECclinic@health.nsw.gov.au.
All of our surgical services are performed at Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick.
Managers
Clinical Nurse Manager Admissions: Nicola Timmiss
Waitlist Manager: Alpha Burns
Clerical Manager: Gillian Stanbrook
Booking Confirmation Phone Number
02 9382 3409 This is an answering machine service only. You will not receive a reply unless we need to clarify anything with you.
How to find us
Level 1, Dickinson Building, Prince of Wales Hospital (Building 15 on our campus map)
Perioperative Unit and Day Surgery
How we can help you
Most patients who are having planned elective surgery come through our Perioperative Unit on the day of their procedure. 'Perioperative' means around the time of surgery.
If you are go home the same day or of if you are staying one night you will also return to the Perioperative Unit before going home. If you are staying longer than one night you will be transferred to one of our surgical wards.
For enquires about your surgical procedure, please speak with your referring specialist or surgeon.
For enquires about your stay in Hospital, please visit our webpage Surgery, Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine or contact our Admissions Department on 02 9392 9001.
For enquiries regarding your anaesthetic, please visit our webpage Surgery, Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine or contact our Anaesthetic Pre Evaluation Clinic (APEC) on 02 9382 3685 or by email to SESLHD-APECclinic@health.nsw.gov.au.
All of our surgical services are performed at Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick.
Managers
Clinical Nurse Manager Admissions: Nicola Timmiss
Waitlist Manager: Alpha Burns
Clerical Manager: Gillian Stanbrook
Booking Confirmation Phone Number
02 9382 3409 This is an answering machine service only. You will not receive a reply unless we need to clarify anything with you.
How to find us
Level 1, Dickinson Building, Prince of Wales Hospital (Building 15 on our campus map)
Endoscopy at The Billington Centre
How we can help you
Our centre performs procedures to assess and treat problems with your oesophagus, stomach, or bowel. We use endoscopes which are small cameras that we insert in your gastrointestinal tract. We use different medicines to keep you feeling relaxed during your procedure.
We care for patients admitted to hospital and people in the community referred to us by gastroenterologists and surgeons.
Managers
Nursing Unit Manager Cassandra Northey
Head of Gastroenterology Department Professor Stephen Riordan
Opening hours
Monday to Friday 7.30am – 4.30pm
We are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Appointment bookings
Please make bookings between Monday to Friday 7.30 am - 4.00 pm
How to find us
Level 2, Campus Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital (Building 16 on our campus map)
Information about how to get to our Randwick campus
We provide the following procedures:
- Gastroscopy is a technique to look directly into your gullet (oesophagus), stomach and the first part of the small bowel (duodenum)
- Colonoscopy is an examination of the large bowel (colon)
- Sigmoidoscopy which is a procedure to look inside the rectum and sigmoid (lower) colon (the first 60cm of the bowel) for polyps, abnormal areas, or cancer. A sigmoidoscope is inserted through the anus and rectum into the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon)
- Pill Cam which is a capsule based endoscopy
- Abdominal paracentesis, is a procedure to remove fluid from the abdomen
- Banding of haemorrhoids with rubber bands
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is procedure where any abnormality of the pancreas or surrounding area can be seen and biopsies may be taken
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) which is used to diagnose any biliary tract problems such as gall stones, jaundice and obstruction of bile
- Removing a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or other feeding tubes. These tubes enable feeding if you cannot take food through your mouth
We also have an outpatient liver clinic to provide treatments for people with viral hepatitis and conduct Fibroscan which is an ultrasound to assess the degree of scarring in your liver.
Our team includes:
- Medical specialists including Gastroenterologists and Surgeons who will perform your procedure and assess, treat and manage your care.
- An expert team of Anaesthetists and anaesthesia nurses will provide your anaesthesia throughout the procedure
- Nursing Unit Manager and team of experienced endoscopy nurses manage our everyday activities.
- Gastroenterology/Hepatology Clinical Nurse Consultants (CNCs) are trained specialists who provide support and education.
- Enteral and Parenteral/ IV Nutrition Support CNC supports our weekly outpatient clinic for people with gastrointestinal feeding problems and feeding tube changes.
- Administration staff who will help you make appointments and provide you all the appropriate information regarding your procedure, including the booking information and documents describing the different procedures.
We work in partnership with the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
The Billington Centre does not accept direct bookings from your local general practitioner (GP). Your GP will need to refer you to a specialist doctor such as a gastroenterologist or surgeon first.
You will have seen this specialist in either their private medical service or in our specialist Gastroenterology Clinic at the Outpatient Department of Prince of Wales Hospital. At this consultation the specialist will determine if you will need to have an endoscopic procedure, if you do, they will write you a referral to the Billington Centre.
Your specialist doctor will either arrange your appointment for you directly with the Billington Centre or will give you a booking form to take to our Centre to organise the appointment yourself.
If you need to attend the Billington Centre in person to make your appointment, the Office is open 7.30am - 4.00pm daily for bookings (closed on weekends, Public Holidays and one Friday a month). You must bring along your RFA/booking form from your specialist.
The Billington Centre will then send you your appointment either by post or email. If you provide your mobile phone number you will receive a SMS reminder a week before your appointment.
Can I chose the day and time I attend the centre for my appointment?
The Billington Centre procedures are organised for certain doctors on certain days. We will find you the next available appointment time that matches when your required specialist is available.
What if I need to cancel my appointment for the procedure?
Once your appointment is booked, you will receive a text message a week in advance to remind you of the date and time. This message will include a contact number so you can call us if you cannot attend. We will re-book your appointment if necessary.
You will receive a letter in the mail describing how to prepare for your endoscopic procedure before you come to hospital. It will also confirm your appointment time and date. Please follow the instructions carefully, especially the instructions about diet and fasting. If these instructions are not followed, we may not be able to do the procedure.
Please make arrangements for a responsible adult to pick you up from hospital to take you home and stay with you overnight after your procedure. You must not drive a car or operate complex machinery for 24 hours after your procedure.
What do I need to bring on the day of my procedure?
Please bring:
- Your referral letter from your GP
- Your Medicare card
- A list of your medicines or bring all your medicines in a bag, including any herbal or over the counter medicines
- Your CPAP machine if you are required to use one
- You are welcome to bring a support person (a relative, friend or carer) with you
- Any test results, x-rays or reports relating to your current medical condition.
- You may have to wait a while before your procedure so we recommend that you bring reading material with you.
- Please do not bring jewellery including body piercings, valuables or large amounts of money. The hospital cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to your property.
- Please remove nail polish and shellac.
- a responsible adult must take you home after you have had your procedure and stay with you overnight due to the anaesthetic you will be given. The procedure cannot go ahead if there is not a responsible adult whom can do this. On admission the nurses must get a mobile/phone number to contact that person, if not, we may have to reschedule to a time that is suitable for that person to collect you after your procedure.
You will need continue to visit your local GP. We will send them a report on your procedure. Your specialist will let you know if you need to make an appointment with your GP.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.
As we are a teaching hospital, you may be asked to be involved in research, or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.
Endoscopy at The Billington Centre
How we can help you
Our centre performs procedures to assess and treat problems with your oesophagus, stomach, or bowel. We use endoscopes which are small cameras that we insert in your gastrointestinal tract. We use different medicines to keep you feeling relaxed during your procedure.
We care for patients admitted to hospital and people in the community referred to us by gastroenterologists and surgeons.
Managers
Nursing Unit Manager Cassandra Northey
Head of Gastroenterology Department Professor Stephen Riordan
Opening hours
Monday to Friday 7.30am – 4.30pm
We are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Appointment bookings
Please make bookings between Monday to Friday 7.30 am - 4.00 pm
How to find us
Level 2, Campus Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital (Building 16 on our campus map)
Information about how to get to our Randwick campus
We provide the following procedures:
- Gastroscopy is a technique to look directly into your gullet (oesophagus), stomach and the first part of the small bowel (duodenum)
- Colonoscopy is an examination of the large bowel (colon)
- Sigmoidoscopy which is a procedure to look inside the rectum and sigmoid (lower) colon (the first 60cm of the bowel) for polyps, abnormal areas, or cancer. A sigmoidoscope is inserted through the anus and rectum into the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon)
- Pill Cam which is a capsule based endoscopy
- Abdominal paracentesis, is a procedure to remove fluid from the abdomen
- Banding of haemorrhoids with rubber bands
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is procedure where any abnormality of the pancreas or surrounding area can be seen and biopsies may be taken
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) which is used to diagnose any biliary tract problems such as gall stones, jaundice and obstruction of bile
- Removing a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or other feeding tubes. These tubes enable feeding if you cannot take food through your mouth
We also have an outpatient liver clinic to provide treatments for people with viral hepatitis and conduct Fibroscan which is an ultrasound to assess the degree of scarring in your liver.
Our team includes:
- Medical specialists including Gastroenterologists and Surgeons who will perform your procedure and assess, treat and manage your care.
- An expert team of Anaesthetists and anaesthesia nurses will provide your anaesthesia throughout the procedure
- Nursing Unit Manager and team of experienced endoscopy nurses manage our everyday activities.
- Gastroenterology/Hepatology Clinical Nurse Consultants (CNCs) are trained specialists who provide support and education.
- Enteral and Parenteral/ IV Nutrition Support CNC supports our weekly outpatient clinic for people with gastrointestinal feeding problems and feeding tube changes.
- Administration staff who will help you make appointments and provide you all the appropriate information regarding your procedure, including the booking information and documents describing the different procedures.
We work in partnership with the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
The Billington Centre does not accept direct bookings from your local general practitioner (GP). Your GP will need to refer you to a specialist doctor such as a gastroenterologist or surgeon first.
You will have seen this specialist in either their private medical service or in our specialist Gastroenterology Clinic at the Outpatient Department of Prince of Wales Hospital. At this consultation the specialist will determine if you will need to have an endoscopic procedure, if you do, they will write you a referral to the Billington Centre.
Your specialist doctor will either arrange your appointment for you directly with the Billington Centre or will give you a booking form to take to our Centre to organise the appointment yourself.
If you need to attend the Billington Centre in person to make your appointment, the Office is open 7.30am - 4.00pm daily for bookings (closed on weekends, Public Holidays and one Friday a month). You must bring along your RFA/booking form from your specialist.
The Billington Centre will then send you your appointment either by post or email. If you provide your mobile phone number you will receive a SMS reminder a week before your appointment.
Can I chose the day and time I attend the centre for my appointment?
The Billington Centre procedures are organised for certain doctors on certain days. We will find you the next available appointment time that matches when your required specialist is available.
What if I need to cancel my appointment for the procedure?
Once your appointment is booked, you will receive a text message a week in advance to remind you of the date and time. This message will include a contact number so you can call us if you cannot attend. We will re-book your appointment if necessary.
You will receive a letter in the mail describing how to prepare for your endoscopic procedure before you come to hospital. It will also confirm your appointment time and date. Please follow the instructions carefully, especially the instructions about diet and fasting. If these instructions are not followed, we may not be able to do the procedure.
Please make arrangements for a responsible adult to pick you up from hospital to take you home and stay with you overnight after your procedure. You must not drive a car or operate complex machinery for 24 hours after your procedure.
What do I need to bring on the day of my procedure?
Please bring:
- Your referral letter from your GP
- Your Medicare card
- A list of your medicines or bring all your medicines in a bag, including any herbal or over the counter medicines
- Your CPAP machine if you are required to use one
- You are welcome to bring a support person (a relative, friend or carer) with you
- Any test results, x-rays or reports relating to your current medical condition.
- You may have to wait a while before your procedure so we recommend that you bring reading material with you.
- Please do not bring jewellery including body piercings, valuables or large amounts of money. The hospital cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to your property.
- Please remove nail polish and shellac.
- a responsible adult must take you home after you have had your procedure and stay with you overnight due to the anaesthetic you will be given. The procedure cannot go ahead if there is not a responsible adult whom can do this. On admission the nurses must get a mobile/phone number to contact that person, if not, we may have to reschedule to a time that is suitable for that person to collect you after your procedure.
You will need continue to visit your local GP. We will send them a report on your procedure. Your specialist will let you know if you need to make an appointment with your GP.
Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.
As we are a teaching hospital, you may be asked to be involved in research, or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.