Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology is the care and treatment for digestive conditions

What we do

We focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Our gastroenterology service provides assessment, ongoing management, and specialist procedures such as endoscopy and colonoscopy for a wide range of digestive and liver conditions.

Who we care for

We care for and treat people with:

Abnormal Liver Function Tests
Bowel Cancer
Cirrhosis
Coeliac Disease
Constipation with sentinel findings
Diarrhoea with sentinel findings
Colorectal symptoms
Dysphasia
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Pancreatic and Biliary Disorders
Persistent Iron Deficiency
Positive Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

Exclusions

The following conditions/procedures are not routinely seen at Bayside Health - Regional:

Diarrhoea - less than for weeks duration without sentinel findings
Dilated bile and pancreatic ducts
Fatty liver with normal liver function tests
Mild hepatic encephalopathy
Positive coeliac gene test without positive coeliac serology
Patients with any other gastroesophageal reflux
Patients with controlled symptoms
Patients that cease treatment and symptoms return
Screening for Barrett’s oesophagus in patients with gastroesophageal reflux without additional symptoms
Iron deficiency in pre-menopausal women with:
No positive coeliac serology
Negative faecal occult blood test
Managed menorrhagia and with good cycle control
Isolated low serum iron
Non-iron deficiency anaemia without evidence of blood loss
Vegetarian diet without iron supplementation.
Laxative dependence
Patients with more than 12 months of constipation symptoms, with no sentinel findings, who have not had an adequate trial of treatment
Patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) negative, unless they are pregnant, immunosuppressed, or starting immunosuppressant medicines and are hepatitis B core antibody (HbcAb) positivePatients who are hepatitis C (HCV) RNA negative who are not at ongoing risk of cirrhosis.
Hepatitis C should be managed and treated through suitable community-based services wherever possible
Patients who are hepatitis C (HCV) RNA negative who are not at ongoing risk of cirrhosis
Belching
Halitosis
Fibroscans
Pancreatic mass

How to access this service

Referral to this service can be made by your general practitioner (GP), another medical specialist or a healthcare professional, as well as hospital-based staff in the emergency department, inpatient wards and other areas of the hospital.

More information for health practitioners and referrers is available here:

((Gastroenterology Referral Guide link (SEE EMAIL BRAD EMAILED ON 8 MAY)

Referral Form: MR-309 Outpatient specialist clinic referral.pdf link (SEE BCH WEBSITE) ))

Clinically recommended guidance and resources for Health Professionals in the Gippsland region are available through Gippsland Pathways.

What to bring

Every time you come:

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, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
Medicines you need to take while you are here
List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
Glasses, hearing aid(s) and/or walking frame if needed

For a clinic appointment:

Your appointment letter
Any special items listed on your letter
TAC or WorkCover claim number (if relevant)

Bringing these items helps us give you the best care possible and ensures your visit goes smoothly.

Useful resources

Liver Foundation

Department of Health - Gastroenterology

Wonthagi Hospital

Address

235 Graham St
Wonthaggi VIC 3995

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Phillip Island Community Hospital

Address

50 – 54 Church St
Cowes VIC VIC 3922

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