Western Health is home to Australia’s first physiotherapy led Virtual Fracture Clinic which has been running since April 2017. This clinic is staffed by specialist Physiotherapists working in conjunction with Orthopaedic Surgeons to provide safe and timely care for patients after they have suffered a fracture or soft tissue injury. Western Health currently runs a Virtual Fracture Clinic service for both adults and children.
What is the role of the Virtual Fracture Clinic?
A specialist Physiotherapist will review the case of each patient referred to the virtual fracture clinic with the support of an Orthopaedic Surgeon.
The patient will be given a plan for further treatment which may include a phone or video consultation or a face to face appointment for more complex injuries.
Who should be referred to the Virtual Fracture Clinic?
Patients who attend Western Health Emergency Department will be referred to the Virtual Fracture Clinic by the Emergency Department staff.
GPs and external providers can refer fractures requiring an orthopaedic opinion to the fracture clinic and they will then be triaged to virtual management if appropriate.
Minor soft tissue injuries do not routinely require a Virtual Fracture Clinic referral. These injuries normally resolve with time and can be managed by the GP.
How long will it be before I have a call from the Virtual Fracture Clinic?
Referral information for GPs and external healthcare providers
For ADULTS - Click here for referral information for the Western Health ADULT outpatient speciality clinics including fracture clinic.
For CHILDREN - Click here for referral information for the Western Health PAEDIATRIC outpatient children’s speciality clinics including paediatric fracture clinic.
Please include the following details with your referral:
Reason for referral
Relevant clinical history for the patient including regional assessment and documentation of any neurovascular compromise or wounds
Patient details including address, date of birth and contact phone numbers
Provider number
Name of the consultant (for Medicare clinics)
Diagnostic imaging completed including name of radiology clinic if applicable
GPs and external providers can refer fractures requiring an orthopaedic opinion to the fracture clinic and they will then be triaged to virtual management by Western Health if appropriate.
For Specialist Clinic enquiries, contact:
Adult Specialist Clinics
Enquires: 03 8345 6490
Fax: 03 8345 6856
Children's Specialist Clinics
Enquiries: 03 8345 1727
Fax: 03 9055 2125
