Genetic Services
Our geneticists and genetic counsellors are here to help when there are concerns that a baby may have a chromosomal or genetic condition. They can help you understand test results, explain your testing options, and support you in making decisions that are right for your family.
Prenatal Genetics Clinic
Our Prenatal Genetics Clinic accepts referrals for people who:
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Are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and have a personal or family history of a genetic condition
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Have received a high-risk result from genetic carrier screening or other screening tests
Appointments can be held in person, by video (telehealth) or by phone. You will need a referral from your GP, midwife or specialist to book.
Useful Resources
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General genetics information: genetics.edu.au
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Prenatal genetics information: Prenatal Testing Booklet
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Find a genetics service near you: Genetic Services Finder
Level 0
Royal Hospital for Women
Barker Street
Randwick NSW 2031
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday - 9.00am to 4.30pm
Saturday and Sunday - Closed
Parking
Enter the hospital from Barker Street, which takes you straight to the underground car park. Take the lift to Level 0 (Ground Floor), then follow the signs to the Royal Hospital for Women.
Families visiting the Royal Hospital for Women get three hours of free parking. Ask our staff how to validate your ticket when you arrive. Please note that street parking nearby can be hard to find, so the car park is your best option.
Public Transport
By Bus
Several bus routes stop within a five-minute walk of the Royal Hospital for Women, including buses on Barker Street, Avoca Street and Botany Street.
By Light Rail
The light rail runs between Randwick and Circular Quay via Central Station. The nearest stop is on the corner of High Street and Avoca Street.
Once inside the hospital, follow the purple line on the floor — it will guide you directly to the Royal Hospital for Women.
More Details
For more details on getting here by public transport, Randwick Hospitals Campus Public Transport Map or visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au
How to find us
Prenatal Genetics - Maternal Fetal Medicine
Building 17, Level 0
Royal Hospital for Women
Barker Street, Randwick, 2031
(Building 17 on our campus map)
-33.9188771, 151.2382611
Our Prenatal Genetics Team
Our genetics team includes geneticists and genetic counsellors who work closely with our specialist doctors, midwives, social workers and sonographers. We also work with teams from Sydney Children's Hospital to make sure families get the support they need.
Depending on your situation, you may meet with different members of our team. They will explain your results, go through your testing options, and help you understand what everything means for you and your baby. If you need extra care or support, our team will help organise this and guide you through each step.
Geneticists
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Dr. Jason Pinner - MBBS, FHGSA
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Dr. Debra Kennedy - MBBS, FHGSA
Genetic Counsellors
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Ron Fleischer - FHGSA
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Bethany Walding - FHGSA
Genetic Testing During Pregnancy
These tests check if a baby has a chromosomal or genetic condition.
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Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) – usually done between 11–14 weeks of pregnancy Learn more
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Amniocentesis – usually done after 15 weeks of pregnancy Learn more
Research and Innovation
Our MFM and Genetics teams are involved in research to help improve care and outcomes for mothers and babies. Taking part in any research study is always your choice and will only happen with your permission.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Your visit may include:
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A discussion about your family history with a genetics specialist and counsellor
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A review of previous scans and/or genetic tests
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Planning of your next steps and follow-up care
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In some cases, an ultrasound or further testing such as amniocentesis or CVS
Appointments usually take around 60 minutes.
To see our Prenatal Genetics team, you will need a referral from a healthcare provider such as your GP, midwife or obstetrician. They will send us an electronic referral, and our team will review it before booking an appointment.
In some cases, our service may not be the right fit for your needs. If this happens, your referring doctor or midwife will be let know.
If your GP has given permission for you to receive updates, you will get an SMS once your referral has been received and accepted. We will then contact you with your appointment date and time.
Maternal Fetal Medicine Prenatal Genetics accepts referrals for women with:
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Abnormal screening tests (including non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPT), first trimester screening, or reproductive carrier screening)
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Genetic conditions or family history of genetic disorders
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Suspected fetal structural abnormalities
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Requesting procedures such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
eReferrals
Prenatal Genetics only accepts eReferrals. Please see: https://www.seslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services-clinics/directory/electronic-referrals
HealthLink eReferrals are integrated with multiple software programs, including Medical Director, Best Practice, Genie, Medtech Evolution, Shexie Platinum and Zedmed. These Smartforms integrate with GP practice systems to streamline the completion and submission of electronic referrals. There is no charge for use of eReferrals. SmartForms can be launched directly from practice management software.
Referrers who do not have access to these systems can access SmartForms via the HealthLink Portal. A HealthLink account is required.
User Guide for accessing and completing eReferrals:
Referral Criteria
A valid referral for Medicare billing purposes needs to be:
- Written to a named Doctor within the clinic
- Signed and dated by referring practitioner including their provider number and place of practice
- Include length of referral (unless it is a 12-month referral)
Referrals must include all previous ultrasounds, antenatal booking bloods and other relevant pathology. Referrals will be rejected from the clinic if there is insufficient information provided.
To discuss the referral please call the MFM referral phone on (+61) 437 537 448 (Monday - Friday 09:00-16:00). This number is for clinicians to discuss referrals only and is not for general enquiries.
Please complete the referral form and fax it to (02) 9382 6038 or email to SESLHD-maternalfetalmedicineRHW@health.nsw.gov.au.
Referral Criteria
A valid referral for Medicare billing purposes needs to be:
- Written to a named Doctor within the clinic
- Signed and dated by referring practitioner including their provider number and place of practice
- Include length of referral (unless it is a 12-month referral)
Referrals must include all previous ultrasounds, antenatal booking bloods and other relevant pathology. Referrals will be rejected from the clinic if there is insufficient information provided.
To discuss the referral please call the MFM referral phone on (+61) 437 537 448 (Monday - Friday 09:00-16:00). This number is for clinicians to discuss referrals only and is not for general enquiries.
This is a public hospital clinic and if you have a valid Medicare card your visit will be Bulk Billed.
If you do not have a valid Medicare card, a fee will be charged on arrival. (Please contact reception for a schedule of charges).
If you are from a country which has a Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement, you will not need to pay for your appointment. If this applies, we may ask to see a copy of your visa and passport.