A range of health professionals will work together to manage your medical treatment, physical and cognitive recovery. We aim to be as collaborative, professional, informative, compassionate and supportive as possible.

Medical Specialists

Professor Alessandro Zagami (Stroke Medical Director)

Professor James Colebatch (Head of Neurology)

Professor Kenneth Butcher (Director of NSW Telestroke)

Professor Arun Krishnan

Dr Michal Lubomski

Dr Julia Thompson

Dr Leon Edwards

Dr Hanka Laue-Gizzi

Dr Christian Zentner

Dr Joanna Offord

Dr Sophie Waller

Medical Team

Advanced Trainee

Medical Registrar

Junior Medical Officers

Nursing Team

Nursing Unit Manager: Divna Kuzmich

Nurse Practitioner: Alanah Bailey

Our nursing team includes a clinical nurse educator, clinical nurse specialists, registered nursing staff and endorsed enrolled nursing staff

Allied Health

Our Speech Pathologist can help you with your ability to speak and to eat and drink safely after a stroke.

Our Physiotherapist will develop an exercise program designed to maximise your strength, balance and mobility.

Our Occupational Therapist will help you to adjust to life after stroke by giving you the confidence and skills to perform daily tasks and learn new skills.  They will also organise any equipment you might need for when you go home.

Our Dietitian will help you make changes to your diet to help with any difficulty you might have with eating or drinking.

Our Social Worker will meet with you and your carer/family as soon as possible after the stroke occurs to provide advice on what financial, social and health care support is available.  They are also available to provide counselling and emotional support. They can assist with organising accommodation and care for when you leave hospital. 

Our Pharmacist will explain what medicines you need to take and when. 

For more information on stroke:

Stroke Foundation

Stroke Recovery Association NSW

A range of health professionals will work together to manage your medical treatment, physical and cognitive recovery. We aim to be as collaborative, professional, informative, compassionate and supportive as possible.

Medical Specialists

Professor Alessandro Zagami (Stroke Medical Director)

Professor James Colebatch (Head of Neurology)

Professor Kenneth Butcher (Director of NSW Telestroke)

Professor Arun Krishnan

Dr Michal Lubomski

Dr Julia Thompson

Dr Leon Edwards

Dr Hanka Laue-Gizzi

Dr Christian Zentner

Dr Joanna Offord

Dr Sophie Waller

Medical Team

Advanced Trainee

Medical Registrar

Junior Medical Officers

Nursing Team

Nursing Unit Manager: Divna Kuzmich

Nurse Practitioner: Alanah Bailey

Our nursing team includes a clinical nurse educator, clinical nurse specialists, registered nursing staff and endorsed enrolled nursing staff

Allied Health

Our Speech Pathologist can help you with your ability to speak and to eat and drink safely after a stroke.

Our Physiotherapist will develop an exercise program designed to maximise your strength, balance and mobility.

Our Occupational Therapist will help you to adjust to life after stroke by giving you the confidence and skills to perform daily tasks and learn new skills.  They will also organise any equipment you might need for when you go home.

Our Dietitian will help you make changes to your diet to help with any difficulty you might have with eating or drinking.

Our Social Worker will meet with you and your carer/family as soon as possible after the stroke occurs to provide advice on what financial, social and health care support is available.  They are also available to provide counselling and emotional support. They can assist with organising accommodation and care for when you leave hospital. 

Our Pharmacist will explain what medicines you need to take and when. 

For more information on stroke:

Stroke Foundation

Stroke Recovery Association NSW

Our Department is staffed by a team of Nuclear Medicine Specialists, Junior Doctors, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Nurses, Radiopharmaceutical Scientists, Physicists and Clerical Staff.

We work in partnership with your Doctors, The Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services, The Royal Women’s Hospital, The Sydney Children’s Hospital and Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospitals.

You will need a referral letter from a Medical Practitioner (your GP or Specialist) to use our service. The referral needs to include a brief history of your health, what procedure or test they are requesting and why.

You can book an appointment over the phone by calling us on 9382 2200, by fax on 9382 2235, by email on seslhd-powhnm@health.nsw.gov.au or in person at our reception. Please provide your contact number, as we need to call you the day before the scan to confirm your appointment.

We will do our best to schedule your preferred appointment time as soon as possible. In most instances an appointment will be available within a couple of days, however, due to the nature of the tracer that we inject, we may not be able to be completely flexible.

If you need to change or cancel your appointment please telephone us on 9382 2200.

How do I prepare for my test?

Many of our procedures do not require any special preparation, but you will need to fast (not eat or drink) for some scans. In addition, some of the tests need you to have special preparation, for example to stop your regular medication or to take additional medication.  We will give you the instructions for your particular scan when we make your booking. Please contact our Department if you are not clear what you will need to do to prepare for your test.

What do I need to bring?

• Your referral letter from your GP or Specialist
• Medicare card
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private Health Insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Previous X-ray films, CT and MRI films or discs, any other test result or reports related to your current health problem
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• A list of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you are taking without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame if you use them

Will I need an injection for my test?

Majority of the scans require an injection of tracer into your vein by using a very small needle (butterfly needle). For more complex scans (for example a heart scan or a PET scan), we will need to place a needle into your vein. Our staff is highly skilled in these injections, including injecting children.

Can I drive after the test?

You are able to drive and go about all your normal activities after the test, unless you have been given any sedatives. If you have been given sedatives you will not be able to drive for 24 hours and must arrange for a responsible adult to take you home after your test.

When will my results be available?

Most of the scans are reported on the same day and your final results are usually available within 24 hours after the completion of your scan. Your results are posted or faxed to your referring doctor.  You will need to contact your referring doctor to find out your results.

More information about my PET scan

See these FAQ about your PET Scan

Please let us know if you need an interpreter when you make your booking. You can contact us by telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak. You can then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and our department.

Our department is actively involved in training, education and research. We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a trainee to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no to participating in any research and to not want any observers. If you do so, this will have no impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Our Department is staffed by a team of Nuclear Medicine Specialists, Junior Doctors, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Nurses, Radiopharmaceutical Scientists, Physicists and Clerical Staff.

We work in partnership with your Doctors, The Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services, The Royal Women’s Hospital, The Sydney Children’s Hospital and Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospitals.

You will need a referral letter from a Medical Practitioner (your GP or Specialist) to use our service. The referral needs to include a brief history of your health, what procedure or test they are requesting and why.

You can book an appointment over the phone by calling us on 9382 2200, by fax on 9382 2235, by email on seslhd-powhnm@health.nsw.gov.au or in person at our reception. Please provide your contact number, as we need to call you the day before the scan to confirm your appointment.

We will do our best to schedule your preferred appointment time as soon as possible. In most instances an appointment will be available within a couple of days, however, due to the nature of the tracer that we inject, we may not be able to be completely flexible.

If you need to change or cancel your appointment please telephone us on 9382 2200.

How do I prepare for my test?

Many of our procedures do not require any special preparation, but you will need to fast (not eat or drink) for some scans. In addition, some of the tests need you to have special preparation, for example to stop your regular medication or to take additional medication.  We will give you the instructions for your particular scan when we make your booking. Please contact our Department if you are not clear what you will need to do to prepare for your test.

What do I need to bring?

• Your referral letter from your GP or Specialist
• Medicare card
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private Health Insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Previous X-ray films, CT and MRI films or discs, any other test result or reports related to your current health problem
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• A list of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you are taking without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame if you use them

Will I need an injection for my test?

Majority of the scans require an injection of tracer into your vein by using a very small needle (butterfly needle). For more complex scans (for example a heart scan or a PET scan), we will need to place a needle into your vein. Our staff is highly skilled in these injections, including injecting children.

Can I drive after the test?

You are able to drive and go about all your normal activities after the test, unless you have been given any sedatives. If you have been given sedatives you will not be able to drive for 24 hours and must arrange for a responsible adult to take you home after your test.

When will my results be available?

Most of the scans are reported on the same day and your final results are usually available within 24 hours after the completion of your scan. Your results are posted or faxed to your referring doctor.  You will need to contact your referring doctor to find out your results.

More information about my PET scan

See these FAQ about your PET Scan

Please let us know if you need an interpreter when you make your booking. You can contact us by telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak. You can then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and our department.

Our department is actively involved in training, education and research. We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a trainee to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no to participating in any research and to not want any observers. If you do so, this will have no impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Our Department is staffed by a team of Nuclear Medicine Specialists, Junior Doctors, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Nurses, Radiopharmaceutical Scientists, Physicists and Clerical Staff.

We work in partnership with your Doctors, The Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services, The Royal Women’s Hospital, The Sydney Children’s Hospital and Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospitals.

You will need a referral letter from a Medical Practitioner (your GP or Specialist) to use our service. The referral needs to include a brief history of your health, what procedure or test they are requesting and why.

You can book an appointment over the phone by calling us on 9382 2200, by fax on 9382 2235, by email on seslhd-powhnm@health.nsw.gov.au or in person at our reception. Please provide your contact number, as we need to call you the day before the scan to confirm your appointment.

We will do our best to schedule your preferred appointment time as soon as possible. In most instances an appointment will be available within a couple of days, however, due to the nature of the tracer that we inject, we may not be able to be completely flexible.

If you need to change or cancel your appointment please telephone us on 9382 2200.

How do I prepare for my test?

Many of our procedures do not require any special preparation, but you will need to fast (not eat or drink) for some scans. In addition, some of the tests need you to have special preparation, for example to stop your regular medication or to take additional medication.  We will give you the instructions for your particular scan when we make your booking. Please contact our Department if you are not clear what you will need to do to prepare for your test.

What do I need to bring?

• Your referral letter from your GP or Specialist
• Medicare card
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private Health Insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Previous X-ray films, CT and MRI films or discs, any other test result or reports related to your current health problem
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• A list of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you are taking without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame if you use them

Will I need an injection for my test?

Majority of the scans require an injection of tracer into your vein by using a very small needle (butterfly needle). For more complex scans (for example a heart scan or a PET scan), we will need to place a needle into your vein. Our staff is highly skilled in these injections, including injecting children.

Can I drive after the test?

You are able to drive and go about all your normal activities after the test, unless you have been given any sedatives. If you have been given sedatives you will not be able to drive for 24 hours and must arrange for a responsible adult to take you home after your test.

When will my results be available?

Most of the scans are reported on the same day and your final results are usually available within 24 hours after the completion of your scan. Your results are posted or faxed to your referring doctor.  You will need to contact your referring doctor to find out your results.

More information about my PET scan

See these FAQ about your PET Scan

Please let us know if you need an interpreter when you make your booking. You can contact us by telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak. You can then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and our department.

Our department is actively involved in training, education and research. We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a trainee to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no to participating in any research and to not want any observers. If you do so, this will have no impact in any way on the services we will provide.

You need a referral from your local general practitioner (GP) or other specialist to use our service. If you have a voice disorder, you will need a referral from an Ear Nose and Throat specialist. The referral letter needs to include your contact details together with the reason for your referral and your medical history.

Please ask your doctor or specialist to email or fax us your referral letter on:

Email: SESLHD-POW-SpeechPathology@health.nsw.gov.au

Fax: 02 9382 2842

A Speech Pathologist will phone you within 1 week to let you know that your referral has been received and either give you an appointment or let you know how long you might have to wait until an appointment becomes available.

If you need to change or cancel your appointment please telephone us on 02 9382 2861.

Can I chose the day and time I attend the centre for my appointment?

Our general out patient service operates on Fridays between 8.00am - 4.30pm. We try to arrange an appointment time that suits you.  However, if you have a swallowing problem and require certain tests, appointment times may be limited.

You may need to wait up to a month for an appointment before you can see a Speech Pathologist. However, you will be seen sooner if your condition is urgent.

If your GP thinks you need an urgent appointment they need to telephone us to discuss your needs.

To refer your patient please email SESLHD-POW-SpeechPathology@health.nsw.gov.au  or fax 02 9382 2842.

Referrals must include information regarding the communication or swallow concern, relevant past medical and social history, functional/mobility status, current respiratory status (for swallow) and the person to contact for an assessment (if not the patient).

For patients who you suspect may require an instrumental swallow assessment (modified barium swallow (MBS) or flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES)) this should be documented in the referral e.g. “Further instrumental assessment (MBS or FEES) may be required (at the discretion of the Speech Pathologist)” so that booking for this assessment can be made.

For voice assessment and therapy, patients require an ENT assessment prior to Speech Pathology input, with results provided to the Speech Pathologist at the initial consultation (or prior where possible).

Referrals are triaged every Friday. Referrals can be discussed via phone (02 9382 2861) on Fridays only. Voice-messages left on other days will be attended to on Fridays. If a matter is urgent the Speech Pathology manager can be contacted by phone on 02 9382 2883.

Patients are contacted within one week of a referral being received. Please do not give the referral to your patient as we will require it to assist in prioritising appointments or to book instrumental assessments.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by 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.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. Student Speech Pathologists will only ever see patients under the supervision of a qualified Speech Pathologist. You have the right to say no to being seen by a student or to participating in research, and this will have no impact in any way on the service you receive. 

You need a referral from your local general practitioner (GP) or other specialist to use our service. If you have a voice disorder, you will need a referral from an Ear Nose and Throat specialist. The referral letter needs to include your contact details together with the reason for your referral and your medical history.

Please ask your doctor or specialist to email or fax us your referral letter on:

Email: SESLHD-POW-SpeechPathology@health.nsw.gov.au

Fax: 02 9382 2842

A Speech Pathologist will phone you within 1 week to let you know that your referral has been received and either give you an appointment or let you know how long you might have to wait until an appointment becomes available.

If you need to change or cancel your appointment please telephone us on 02 9382 2861.

Can I chose the day and time I attend the centre for my appointment?

Our general out patient service operates on Fridays between 8.00am - 4.30pm. We try to arrange an appointment time that suits you.  However, if you have a swallowing problem and require certain tests, appointment times may be limited.

You may need to wait up to a month for an appointment before you can see a Speech Pathologist. However, you will be seen sooner if your condition is urgent.

If your GP thinks you need an urgent appointment they need to telephone us to discuss your needs.

To refer your patient please email SESLHD-POW-SpeechPathology@health.nsw.gov.au  or fax 02 9382 2842.

Referrals must include information regarding the communication or swallow concern, relevant past medical and social history, functional/mobility status, current respiratory status (for swallow) and the person to contact for an assessment (if not the patient).

For patients who you suspect may require an instrumental swallow assessment (modified barium swallow (MBS) or flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES)) this should be documented in the referral e.g. “Further instrumental assessment (MBS or FEES) may be required (at the discretion of the Speech Pathologist)” so that booking for this assessment can be made.

For voice assessment and therapy, patients require an ENT assessment prior to Speech Pathology input, with results provided to the Speech Pathologist at the initial consultation (or prior where possible).

Referrals are triaged every Friday. Referrals can be discussed via phone (02 9382 2861) on Fridays only. Voice-messages left on other days will be attended to on Fridays. If a matter is urgent the Speech Pathology manager can be contacted by phone on 02 9382 2883.

Patients are contacted within one week of a referral being received. Please do not give the referral to your patient as we will require it to assist in prioritising appointments or to book instrumental assessments.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by 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.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. Student Speech Pathologists will only ever see patients under the supervision of a qualified Speech Pathologist. You have the right to say no to being seen by a student or to participating in research, and this will have no impact in any way on the service you receive. 

Barmbli Place is a room where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can come for a cuppa, yarn or just sit while a family member is in hospital. 

Barmbli Place is at the High St entrance of Prince of Wales Hospital. It is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. If you need help to find us please ask the person at the High St information desk.