If any of the following are present or suspected, please refer the patient to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or seek emergent medical advice if in a remote region.
NB: If the problem is with the stomal appliance the patient can self-refer to stomal therapy nurse. Patients not in contact with regular stomal therapy nurse/service can be referred by GP.
High-risk foot has 2 or more of the following:
Or a history of:
Refer to HealthPathways or local guidelines
Examine both feet for evidence of the following risk factors:
*client to present to High Risk Foot Service within 48 hours. If no High-Risk Foot service is available, consult with a specialist service via telehealth, or present to an emergency department.
Please note that where appropriate and where available, the referral may be streamed to an associated public allied health and/or nursing service. Access to some specific services may include initial assessment and management by associated public allied health and/or nursing, which may either facilitate or negate the need to see the public medical specialist.
A change in patient circumstance (such as condition deteriorating, or becoming pregnant) may affect the urgency categorisation and should be communicated as soon as possible.
Please indicate in the referral if the patient is unable to access mandatory tests or investigations as they incur a cost or are unavailable locally.