Outpatient appointments
Information about outpatient appointments at the RAH.
Specialist outpatient clinics provide access to specialised medical, nursing and allied health services, as well as tests and procedures to help diagnosis, for patients who are not currently admitted to hospital.
Outpatient appointments are managed centrally for clinics operating at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
This means, depending on your condition and the treatment recommend by your specialist, you may attend appointments at both locations.
How to get a referral
Outpatient appointments are generally made by a GP, treating specialist or medical practitioner. They will send the referral to the outpatient referral team, with all the relevant details.
If you are concerned about managing your condition while you wait for an appointment, you should speak with your GP or the medical practitioner who referred you.
Your GP is usually the best person to manage your health. Contact your GP immediately if your condition changes or deteriorates rapidly.
In an emergency, you should dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance or attend an emergency department.
If your address, phone number or GP changes, let the outpatient department know via email, phone or at your next appointment.
It is important to let the outpatient department know if your personal details change, so you can be contacted about your condition or your appointments.
Information about your outpatient appointments is also sent to your GP or referring medical practitioner, so these details need to be kept up to date.
After being referred
Once referrals are received, they are assessed and triaged according to clinical urgency.
Each service has different categories for triaging referrals, so wait times for appointments vary.
Patients who require an urgent or semi-urgent specialist appointment are then contacted in one of three ways:
- by letter with details of your outpatient appointment or procedure. The letter will advise you of the date, time and location of your appointment, as well as details of any tests you need before attending
- by text message to your mobile. You may need to click on a link to confirm your appointment and/or complete online checks before your appointment. This system is called ‘Personify Care'. https://www.thermh.org.au/your-care/ongoing-care/specialist-clinics-outpatients/specialist-clinics-waitlist-audit
- by phone to discuss your appointment. Please be aware that these calls will be from an "unknown number" on your mobile phone.
If your referral is triaged as non-urgent or routine, you will receive a letter saying you have been waitlisted and you will be contacted when the next appointment is available.
Be aware that wait times vary depending on specialty. If your condition changes or deteriorates, contact your GP immediately.
If your referral is declined, your GP will be notified.
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Concerns about scams or privacy
We will never ask for credit card information or payment, or personal medical information such as your patient ID or medical history.
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Do you need an interpreter or cultural support?
If you need an interpreter or cultural support, contact us when you receive your appointment time.
Where to go
Outpatient appointments at the RAH are provided in clinics at the following locations.
We advise all patients to arrive at least 15 minutes before their appointment.
RAH Outpatients
Level 3 or Level 5 of the RAH
Outpatient departments in the RAH are on level 3 (ground) or level 5. Check the screens on level 3 (ground) on arrival to see the location for the clinic you are attending. Always report to the outpatient clinic staff at reception to check in.
Go to mapLevel 1, 21 North Terrace
Opposite RAH, corner of Gray Street & North Terrace
Our alternate outpatient site is located across the road from the hospital. Always check in with reception staff on arrival.
Go to mapMedical staff
Both the Royal Adelaide Hospital and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital are public teaching hospitals.
Therefore you may be seen by a junior member of their medical team under the supervision of the consultant. We will always inform you and get your consent on the day, if a junior staff member will be present.
What to bring
To ensure your appointment runs smoothly and with as little delay as possible, bring items relevant to your condition (where applicable).
Children need to be supervised at all times due to the variety of equipment used in outpatient clinics.
We also ask that patients limit the number of support people who attend with them, due to limited space in consulting rooms and waiting areas.
- Relevant x-rays and test results - if you have been instructed to have tests or x-rays before your outpatient appointment, ensure these have been completed at least a week before your scheduled time
- Forms sent for you to complete before your appointment
- Other relevant paperwork such as:
- Advance Care Directive
- Anticipatory Directives
- Enduring Power of Guardianship
- Medical Power of Attorney
- Guardianship Board Order
- Statement of Choices
- Facility Form or Good Palliative Care Plan/Order
- Ulysses Agreement.
We also recommend bringing:
- up to date name, address and phone number of your GP or referring medical practitioner
- current list of medications - if possible bring them in their original containers
- medicare, pension, health care, veterans, PBS safety net and private health care cards
- questions or concerns you would like to talk about with your specialist or healthcare professional, including requests for a medical certificate
- food, water, and any required medications, particularly if you have dietary restrictions, in the event of delays. Food and drink options are available onsite.
Change or cancel your outpatient appointment
If you need to change or cancel your outpatient appointment, let us know as soon as possible.
Phone the number on your referral letter.
You can also find outpatient numbers for each clinic under department pages within Services and Clinics.
Search for your department, go to the Patients page and phone the outpatient number listed.
Non-attendance and rescheduling
It is important to let us know if you need to cancel or change your outpatient appointment.
Cancelled appointment times can be reallocated to help other patients access care and also reduce waiting list times.
If you miss your appointment without telling us, you may be discharged from the waitlist and need a new referral from your GP.
We aim to accommodate change requests, especially in cases of genuine hardship and unforeseeable circumstances.
However, due to high demand for many outpatient clinics, there may be a delay in finding an alternative date.
Live in a regional, rural or remote location?
Get information on supports and services available to patients and carers who live in regional, rural and remote parts of the country and are attending the RAH for medical appointments or treatment.
This page was last updated 6 March, 2025
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