Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Contact
IBD flare advice (Monday to Friday, 9am 鈥� 4pm)
Call the IBD nurse helpline on (02) 7825 3131
Urgent flare advice after hours (Monday, to Friday 4pm-8pm)
Call (02) 7825 0000 and ask for the on-call gastroenterologist
About our service
The Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) service uses a team-based approach to your IBD management. It's the best way to achieve optimal treatment outcomes. Your team will include:
- Your parents/carers/family/friends/teachers
- IBD specialists
- IBD nurses
- Dietitian
- Pharmacist
- Psychologist
- Doctor
- Child Life Therapists (use play-based strategies to help young patients prepare for procedures or treatment in the hospital.
- Surgeon
- Stomal therapist
- Stoma: A surgically created opening on the abdomen that allows waste to leave the body.
- Stoma therapist: A healthcare specialist who helps people with stomas manage their care and adjustment to daily life.
Referral process for clinicians
Our department is using to manage referrals.鈥疶he Consultmed platform allows health professionals to send e-referrals to us securely. 鈥�
Consultmed questions and technical support: [email protected]
Referral process for parents and carers
Request a referral
For appointments requiring a referral, you will need to get a referral from your GP, paediatrician or specialist.
They will assess your child, discuss your concerns, and make a referral to the appropriate service.鈥�
Track your referral
Our department uses Consultmed to manage referrals. Your referring clinician sends the e-referral to us using the secure Consultmed platform.鈥�
Once we receive the referral, we will send you an email with your tracking information. We will update you as we process the referral and book your appointment.
To receive these updates, please ask your referring clinician to include your email on the referral.鈥�
If your clinician has questions about Consultmed or require technical support, they can contact [email protected].
Need support?
If you need help or have questions about the referral and appointment process, please contact us.鈥�
IBD nurse: [email protected]
Appointments: [email protected]
Clinic and appointment information
If directed on the IBD Flare Management Plan (MODERATE) to book an IBD clinic appointment please send us an email.
Email: [email protected]
- Ensure to state you have followed the Flare Management Plan and need an appointment so that the next available appointment can be provided
- Infection must always be excluded before treatment of a flare is commenced
- If you decide your child needs immediate review please present to your GP or your nearest Emergency Department
- Your child's GP will receive regular written correspondence from their treating Gastroenterologist to update them on the child's progress
- Your GP can contact the Gastroenterologist on-call for advice via the Hospital Switchboard.
Clinic times:
Wednesday mornings and Thursday afternoons (fortnightly)
Clinic location: Outpatients Clinic 3 (Albert Shun clinic), Outpatients Dept, Level 3, The Children's Hospital at Westmead
It is important to see your gastroenterologist every 3 months to review your condition and medications.
To make an appointment, please contact [email protected]
If your child is unwell
If your child is unwell with a cough, cold, runny nose or flu鈥搇ike symptoms please take them to the GP for medical advice.
If your child is on medications that modify their immune system (these include steroids, azathioprine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, biologics such as infliximab, vedolizumab, Ustekinumab, tofacitinib, Upadacitinib, tacrolimus and cyclosporin) and they are unwell or have a fever greater than 38 degrees, we recommend presenting to the nearest hospital Emergency Department for medical assessment.
Your child鈥檚 medical team will be contacted on arrival to ED as required.
IBD Flare Management Plan
The following guidelines are adapted from CHOC (Children's Hospital Orange County) 'Guide for your IBD Road to Wellness', CHOC Children鈥檚 Hospital, 1201 W. La Veta Avenue, Orange, CA 92868, USA
MILD = MONITOR
If you have any of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain that is bearable
- First sight of blood in stool
- Mild increased bowel motions (partially formed) 3-5 times in 24 hours
- Waking at night for bowel movement
- Change in appetite and/or energy for 24-48 hours
You need to:
- Go to the GP
- Ensure medication compliance
- Complete blood & stool tests to exclude infection
- Reduce stress
- Avoid dietary triggers
- Ensure future IBD clinic appointment is booked
MODERATE = CONTACT
If you have any of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain that is bearable and relieved with intervention
- Blood <50% small amount with most stools
- Increased bowel motions (partially formed) 6-8 times in 24 hours
- Decreased appetite or fatigue >48hrs
- Joint pain affecting mobility
You need to:
- Contact:
- Monday to Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm: [email protected] | (02) 7825 3131
- Monday to Friday 4:00pm - 8:00pm (urgent advice only): (02) 7825 000
- If you do not receive a response and you are still concerned, contact your GP or nearest Hospital Emergency Department.
SEVERE = PRESENT TO EMERGENCY/ DOCTOR
If you have any of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain that is not relieved with intervention 鈥�
- Blood >50% of all stools and/or clots
- Persistent diarrhoea >8 times in 24 hours
- Dark green vomit
- Dehydration 鈥� no oral intake
- Fever >38deg whilst on steroids, biological or immunomodulator medications that suppress your immune system
You need to: Present to nearest Hospital Emergency Department for medical assessment
- If you have been given specific guidance by the IBD team when symptoms increase, please follow the plan.
- If you have not received a response during business hours, please contact your GP for medical advice.
- If you are concerned and have done all you can to manage the symptoms, please present to nearest hospital
