The Hand Unit is a leading quaternary referral centre in NSW, specialising in the treatment of injuries and conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. We provide expert care for both emergency and elective (planned) cases, ensuring comprehensive management of upper limb conditions below the elbow.

Our department has specialised expertise in managing a wide range of complex hand and upper limb conditions, including:

Emergency: 

•    Complex forearm, wrist and hand injury management

•    Severe hand trauma requiring microvascular surgery to re-establish blood flow (e.g. amputations)

•    Free tissue transfer and flap reconstruction for upper limb trauma
•    Comprehensive management of soft tissue and fracture repair, including surgical treatment and rehabilitation.

Elective:

•    Advanced treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture

•    Surgical care for rheumatoid hand deformities

The Hand Unit is situated on the second floor of the main Clinical Services Building (CSB) at Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital.

For easy access:

•    Entrance: Use the main hospital entrance of the Clinical Services Building from the courtyard.

•    Lifts: Take the lifts to the second floor.

•    Signage: Exit and turn right on exiting the lifts or follow the signs directing you to the Hand Unit.

If you need assistance finding us, hospital staff are available to guide you.

The Hand Unit is made up of several key areas, each focused on different stages of your care:

The Hand Clinic: A specialised outpatient clinic where patients receive medical assessments, follow-up care, and treatment planning for both acute and chronic hand conditions. (CSB level 2)

The Hand Therapy Department – Offering expert rehabilitation services, including splinting, casting, exercises, and education to help restore function and mobility after injury or surgery. (CSB level 2)

In-Patient Ward – Providing comprehensive care for patients recovering from hand and upper limb surgery or requiring hospital admission for complex conditions. (CSB level 2)

Day Procedure Unit – For patients undergoing same-day procedures, providing a comfortable and efficient environment for minor surgeries and treatments that do not require overnight stays. (CSB level 1)

Operating Theatres – Where surgeries are performed, including both elective procedures and emergency trauma care for hand and upper limb conditions. (CSB level 3)

Our medical staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring continuous, high-quality care throughout your journey.

Our team includes:

Your care is guided by a multidisciplinary team dedicated to comprehensively manage your treatment journey, including:

• Hand Surgery Consultants – the Hand Unit has twelve Hand Surgeon Consultants from either Orthopaedic or Plastic surgery backgrounds, all completing additional training in the specialty of Hand Surgery. 
   
• Hand Surgery Fellow – since 1987, the Hand Unit has a proud history of supporting local, national and international Surgeons wanting to further their knowledge and skills in the specialty of Hand Surgery. The Hand Unit has one Hand Surgery Fellow.
   
• Medical Officers completing specialty training – the Hand Unit supports two Orthopaedic Surgery Registrars, one Plastic Surgery Registrar and one unaccredited Plastic Surgery Registrar.
   
• Junior Medical Officer – the Hand Unit is supported by one Junior Medical Officer.
   
• Clinical Nurse Consultant: Hand Surgery – the Hand Unit is supported by an experienced and dedicated Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) who is committed to advancing nursing expertise in hand surgery. With a passion for education and mentorship, the CNC helps nurses develop the specialised knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality care throughout the patient journey.
   
• Clinical Nurse Specialist: Hand Clinic – responsible for the coordination of patients attending the Hand Clinic, the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS2) assists with referral screening; maintains patient flow through the clinic and provides specialist wound management. 
   
• ​​​​​​​Hand nurses – experts in post-operative recovery, wound care, and patient education.
   
• Hand therapists – the Hand Therapy team is comprised of occupational therapist and physiotherapist who, through advanced continuing education and clinical experience and integration of knowledge in anatomy and physiology, have become proficient in the assessment and management of hand and upper limb condition resulting from trauma or disease. We provide custom made orthosis and individually tailored rehabilitation programs with the aim or restoring function and mobility. 
   
• ​​​​​​​Social workers – offering emotional support and assistance with recovery challenges.
   
• Clerical staff – ensuring smooth coordination of your care

Our team is here to support you by:

•    helping you understand your hand injury or condition and treatment

•   guiding you in caring for your hand after injury or surgery
•   providing clear, detailed information about your recovery process
•   offering support to you and your family or carers throughout your journey
•   providing both practical and emotional support, offering guidance and reassurance to help patients navigate the challenges of recovery

The Unit is supported with a 24 hour on-call service staffed at Consultant and Fellow/Registrar level.

Your recovery is supported by a network of healthcare professionals who collaborate to ensure you receive the best possible care beyond the hospital setting. We work closely with:

•    Your local family doctor (GP) – providing ongoing medical support, monitoring your progress, and managing any general health concerns related to your recovery.

•    Local hand therapy clinics – offering specialised rehabilitation to improve function, mobility, and strength following your hand injury or surgery.

•    Local community nurses – assisting with wound care, dressing changes, and other essential aspects of post-operative recovery in your home or community setting.

Together, we coordinate your care to provide a seamless transition from hospital to home, supporting your recovery every step of the way.

The Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital Hand Unit provides comprehensive care for patients with hand, wrist, and forearm conditions. Our services include:

•    Surgery – we offer a range of surgical procedures, from emergency trauma care to elective reconstructive surgeries, ensuring the best possible outcomes for hand and upper limb conditions.

•    Medical reviews – our team of specialist doctors conducts thorough assessments and follow-up reviews to monitor your recovery and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

•    Hand education – we provide education and resources to help patients understand their condition, treatment options, wound management and self-care strategies for optimal recovery.

•    Hand therapy education – Our expert hand therapists offer guidance on rehabilitation exercises, casting, splinting, and strategies to restore function and prevent complications.

Our goal is to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care to support your recovery and long-term hand health.