Question 1

Who should I refer to a paediatrician?

Accepted Answer

We welcome referrals for a wide range of paediatric concerns and are committed to working collaboratively with referrers to ensure comprehensive care for children and their families. Consider referring patients who may benefit from specialist paediatric assessment and management, including:

• Developmental and Behavioural Concerns: Support for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties, behavioural challenges, and global developmental delay.
 • Attentional and Learning Difficulties: Expert assessment and management of ADHD, learning difficulties, and cognitive concerns impacting a child's education and daily life.
 • Sleep Disorders: Comprehensive evaluation and care for sleep onset difficulties, night waking, and other paediatric sleep challenges.
 • Nutrition and Growth: Support for failure to thrive, weight concerns, oral aversion, and feeding difficulties.
 • Infant Reviews and Examinations: Expert care for unsettled babies, excessive crying, feeding issues, poor growth, and early developmental concerns.
 • Skin Conditions: Management of eczema, birthmarks, and other common paediatric dermatological issues.
 • Neurological Health: Assessment and support for headaches, cerebral palsy, and other neurological concerns.
 • Respiratory Health: Ongoing care for asthma, bronchiolitis, chronic cough, and other paediatric respiratory conditions.
 • Digestive Health: Diagnosis and management of conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and food sensitivities.
 • Continence Issues: Guidance and treatment for bedwetting, constipation, and other continence-related concerns.

Question 2

How do I make a referral?

Accepted Answer

Referrals to Dr. Alyce Horstman at Albert Street Paediatrics can be made by General Practitioners (GPs) or other specialists exclusively through our online referral portal. This process ensures that all necessary information is captured efficiently, allowing us to schedule your patient as promptly as possible.

If you have specific questions or need further clarification regarding a referral, or if you’d like to discuss a case before submitting a referral, Dr. Alyce Horstman is available to support her colleagues. You can contact her via email or phone, and she will make every effort to respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.

Our aim is to make the referral process as seamless as possible while fostering ongoing communication and collaboration with GPs and specialists alike. We aim to work in partnership with you, the family, and other health professionals to deliver integrated, holistic care. Below are answers to some common questions to help guide you through the referral process.

Question 3

What information should I include in the referral letter?

Accepted Answer

When referring a patient to Dr. Alyce Horstman at Albert Street Paediatrics, please include the following key details:

1. Patient Information:
Full name, date of birth, and contact details (address, phone, email).
2. Referral Reason:
Brief summary of the concern (e.g., developmental delay, ADHD, feeding difficulties).
3. Medical History:
Relevant past medical conditions or diagnoses.
4. Developmental History:
Early milestones and any concerns (e.g., delays in speech, walking, or social skills).
5. Current Concerns:
Key symptoms or behaviours (e.g., sleep problems, poor growth, aggression).
6. Previous Interventions:
Any prior assessments, therapies, or treatments (e.g., speech therapy, ADHD diagnosis).
7. Medications:
List current medications and dosages.
8. Parental/Caregiver Concerns:
Any specific concerns or goals from the family.
9. Urgency:
Indicate if the referral is urgent or time-sensitive.
10. Referring GP Contact:
Your name, practice details, and preferred contact information.

Question 4

What can I recommend to families while they wait for their appointment?

Accepted Answer

While waiting for an appointment with Dr. Alyce Horstman at Albert Street Paediatrics, families can take several proactive steps to gather information and support their child's development. Here are some practical recommendations you can provide:

Eye and Hearing Assessments:
 • Eye assessment: If there are concerns about your patients vision (e.g., squinting, difficulty focusing, or eye coordination), recommend an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to rule out visual impairments.
 • Hearing assessment: For concerns around hearing (e.g., delayed speech, difficulty responding to sounds), suggest a hearing test with an audiologist to ensure there are no underlying issues.

Confirmation of normal vision and hearing is helpful first step in the assessment of children with developmental delay or behavioural concerns

School, Kindergarten or Daycare Observations:

• Encourage the family to request observations from teachers or carers at school, daycare, or kindergarten. Educators can provide valuable insights into the childs behaviour, social interactions, and any learning challenges they may be experiencing.
 • Ask the family to share specific concerns with educators, such as difficulties with attention, social engagement, or learning. This information can be useful in understanding the child's development.

Track developmental and behavioural Concerns:

• Recommend that the family track key behaviours or symptoms that may concern them, such as sleep issues, eating patterns, tantrums, or social struggles. Keeping a journal of these behaviours will help provide a clearer picture during the paediatric assessment.

Developmental screening tools:

• Developmental checklists or screening tools can be used to assess milestones and identify any areas where the child may be struggling. Many free resources are available online and through local health services.

Consider referral to Early Intervention Services:

• If there are significant concerns about the child’s development (e.g., speech delays, motor skills, behavioural challenges or a combination of these), consider recommending early intervention services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or psychological services. These services can often begin prior to the paediatric appointment and offer early support. These services can be funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme Early Childhood approach and families can self-refer. In Gippsland, the Early Childhood Partner is Link HC, details can be found at: https://www.linkhc.org.au/ndis-early-childhood-early-intervention/ (https://www.linkhc.org.au/ndis-early-childhood-early-intervention/)

Encourage the family to maintain consistency and routine where possible:

• Encourage families to establish a consistent daily routine. Routine can be especially beneficial if there are concerns about sleep difficulties or behavioural challenges. A predictable environment can help provide stability for children.

These steps will help families gather essential information and ensure they are prepared for the upcoming paediatric assessment. If the family has any specific concerns or requires additional guidance, feel free to contact us via email or phone, and Dr. Alyce will do her best to assist.

Holistic Paediatric Care for Your Patients