The Breast Care Service (on the Dunedin Hospital site) try to offer a “one day work-up” of new patients who have been referred, which is efficient and patient-friendly. This does depend on the level of urgency as it is not always possible to offer imaging+/- biopsy at the same appointment as the specialist clinic visit. We do try to limit the amount of travel for workup of breast problems as much as possible. For Central Otago patients it may be appropriate to have imaging +/- biopsy at the fixed site in Frankton- Queenstown at Pacific Radiology.
One-day work-up includes clinical assessment by the surgical team with appropriate imaging and any required laboratory samples to enable accurate diagnosis as quickly as possible. Patients will then be booked for other procedures if necessary.
Referral Expectations
We would expect new patients to have been referred by their GP via ERMS requesting system (that is for both specialist review or for breast imaging) or as an internal consult from another service within the hospital setting.
Fees and Charges Description
Patients who are chargeable are able to be seen in Breast Care Services and if this is the patient's choice to use our service then they will be given approximate costs prior to attending. Costs with private imaging or a breast surgeon in private are likely to be less.
Hours
Dunedin Hospital
Mon – Fri
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Public Holidays: Closed Good Friday (18 Apr), Easter Sunday (20 Apr), Easter Monday (21 Apr), ANZAC Day (25 Apr), King's Birthday (2 Jun), Matariki (20 Jun), Labour Day (27 Oct), Waitangi Day (6 Feb).
Dunstan Hospital, Clyde
Clinics are held at Dunstan hospital twice a year (usually May & Nov )
Ōamaru Hospital
Clinics are at Ōamaru hospital twice a year for breast patients in follow-up (usually May & Nov)
Clutha Health First, Balclutha
Mon – Fri
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Public Holidays: Closed Good Friday (18 Apr), Easter Sunday (20 Apr), Easter Monday (21 Apr), ANZAC Day (25 Apr), King's Birthday (2 Jun), Matariki (20 Jun), Labour Day (27 Oct), Waitangi Day (6 Feb).
