The Macalister Unit at LRH has 10 residential nursing home beds and 10 acute assessment beds for older people with complex mental health conditions.

Phone: (03) 5173 8324

Click here for more information including pricing.

LRH offers a range of allied health services to support people recovering from illness or injury.

For information about:

• Dietician services
• Physiotherapy
• Prosthetics + Orthotics
• Social Work
• Speech Pathology

See individual pages below.

For general enquiries phone (03) 5173 8383

BreastScreen has a screening clinic at LRH. You can find out more here.

For comprehensive information about screening and to book an appointment go to www.breastscreen.org.au

You can access a range of services and programs at the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre based at LRH. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are delivered on site so you may not have to travel to the metro area for treatment.

We have a team of oncologists, nurses and health professionals specialising in cancer care to help you manage your journey. Find out more

We provide hospital care for patients with heart conditions and a range of consultation and treatment options for outpatients. Our cardiac catheterisation (cath) lab specialises in diagnosing heart problems and providing treatment options such as a stent.

To access our cardiology services you will need a referral from you GP or cardiologist.

Go to our Cardiology page for more information.

Is a specialist multi-disciplinary team which includes:

• Geriatrician
• Registered nurse
• Occupational therapist
• Clinical neuropsychologist

It provides diagnostic, referral and educational services for people experiencing changes in memory and thinking abilities.

Early diagnosis assists in:

• determining appropriate treatment needs and planning as well as enabling people to learn about their condition
• learning how to cope with cognitive impairment
• respond to changes as they occur

Please note:

• The team does not accept referrals from people under the age of 65 experiencing memory loss in the context of stress, anxiety, depression or where psychiatric conditions may be a factor.
• The team do not provide ongoing care or case management for patients.

Referrals can only be made by a GP and should include a Dementia Screen including a CT Brain, bloods, MMSE or equivalent.

In 2023 almost 50% of referrals were not accepted, mostly due to incomplete or not appropriate referrals.
Please ensure referral form completed fully.
If you have any questions, please call the team on 5173 8822.

Download a referral form here.

Download a service brochure here.

Local and visiting specialists consult from the Gippsland Private Consulting Suites (GPSC).

The GPSC is open Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm.
Phone: 5173 8111 (Phone lines are open Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm).

More information and a map here

The Continence Clinic uses a multidisciplinary approach to the assessment and management of bladder and bowel problems.

We aim to promote excellence in care of those who experience bladder and bowel problems.

Self-management is promoted, and the aim always is to improve quality of life.

If you would like to make a referral or obtain further information about the program, please contact the clinic on 5173-8822.

Trial of Void referrals should be addressed to urologist Dr Sarah Azer at the Gippsland Private Consulting Suites – fax 5173 8097

Download a brochure about the service here.

Have dialysis in comfortable, safe and friendly surroundings at LRH. Our Dialysis Unit has 12 treatment chairs and supports up to 48 patients three times a week. There is also a limited on-call service for treatment of patients with acute or complex needs.

We offer training, care and support to patients on peritoneal dialysis at home.

The Dialysis Unit operates Monday-Saturday from 7am until 10pm.

Peritoneal Dialysis is a Monday to Friday service from 8-4pm.

For further information phone the Dialysis Unit on (03) 5173 8849 or Peritoneal Dialysis on (03) 5173 8531.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes while at our hospital, you may have a session with one of our diabetes educators before being referred to a community health service for further care.

LRH provides a comprehensive diabetes education and management program that aims to maximise the quality of life for patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Our educators also see all inpatients who display symptoms of diabetes as well as women with diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes). They are Registered Nurses who have both post graduate and specialist training in managing people diagnosed with diabetes.

For more information phone the hospital on (03) 5173 8000.

Your nutritional needs might change as a result of an illness. Our dietitians work with you to ensure you have the right information about food and fluids.

Dietitians work right across the hospital and contribute to specialist outpatient programs such as the Paediatric Diabetes Clinic and the Enhanced Maternity Clinic.

The Dietetics Unit works Monday-Friday from 8am-4.30pm and runs an on-call service at weekends.

Phone (03) 5173 8383

For emergency assistance dial 000

If you need urgent attention for illness or injury, the point of entry to Latrobe Regional Health is the Emergency Department (ED). When you arrive at the ED you will be seen by the triage nurse who will assess your condition and determine the urgency of your illness or injury. You will be given a triage category of 1 to 5 with 1 being the most urgent of cases.

Please be aware, you may have to wait for a period of time if our team is treating complex or urgent cases. Some people may arrive at the ED with a letter or referral from their GP, however you will still be triaged and may have to wait for care depending on demand for emergency services.

To contact the Emergency Department phone (03) 5173 8222 or (03) 5173 8000.

Falls and Balance Clinic

Our Community Rehabilitation Service, Falls and Balance Clinic may help you if you have experienced a fall or have mobility or balance problems placing you at risk of falling.

You may be referred to the clinic by:

• Latrobe Regional Health
• community agencies
• your GP

Please note for a timely consult, we require the following for a thorough assessment.

• Complete past medical history
• Details around recent falls
• Complete list of current medications
• X-ray of lower limb joint and/or spine within 6 months
• CT/MRI brain/spine imaging performed within last 12 months

There must also be results/investigations completed within the last 6 months for the following:

-FBE, U &E, LFT’s, Albumin, Ca, Mg, PO4, CK, TFT’s, Vit D, B12.

Our team consists of:

• geriatrician
• occupational therapist
• physiotherapist

Assessments:

• might take up to 3 hours in the presence of your family or carer
• a home assessment may need to be carried out by our occupational therapist

Management Plan:

• may include referral to other services
• will be sent to you and your GP
• will include a range of strategies aimed at reducing your risk of falling and improving your quality of life, mobility and function
• may also include strengthening and flexibility programs, balance retraining programs, the prescription of aids and equipment to improve safety and adjustment to your medication.

The clinic does not provide ongoing therapy or treatment. Referrals to appropriate service providers for ongoing management is arranged as required.

You’ll undergo a review at the clinic six weeks and six months after the initial assessment.

Contact details

Latrobe Regional Health Allied Health Department
5173 8383 Monday to Friday from 8am-4.30pm.

The General Medicine Unit at LRH provides comprehensive medical care to patients, primarily on the Avon and Bass wards. Patients are assigned to one of four General Medical teams, which collaborate closely with specialty medicine departments. In addition to our perioperative medical team, we also offer inpatient support to other treating teams at LRH through our consult service.

Head of Unit: A/Prof Alistair Wright

To contact the Avon or Bass ward, please call our switchboard at 5173 8000.

The GEM unit provides specialised care for people with chronic or complex conditions associated with ageing, disability or cognitive function.

Our Thomson Women’s and Children’s Unit has a team of caring gynaecologists who provide services including endometriosis treatment and management, urinary-gynaecological investigations and treatment, investigations into pelvic pain, pre-conceptual counselling, contraception and IVF referral.

Our programs include HARP Chronic Disease Management to improve health and reduce hospital admissions and the Heart Failure Rehabilitation Program.

HARP
HARP is a short term care coordination program where your care coordinator provides information, support and education to you and your family. Your care coordinator can link you to community providers and liaise with other health professionals such as your local doctor or medical specialist, in establishing your management plan.

Patients with chronic diseases and complex needs may be eligible for HARP. Usually a referral happens when you come to the Emergency Department, are admitted to hospital or by your GP.

The care coordinator will contact and/or visit you at home for an assessment and discuss with you and your family your condition and how you can best manage the condition at home. The coordinator is able to provide education about your medical condition, how to recognise symptoms, and what actions to take in certain situations.

One of our outpatient group exercise and education programs may also be helpful.

To contact HARP: (03) 5173 8575.

Heart Failure Rehabilitation
If you have stable heart failure you can take part in exercise classes, education and support sessions to improve your physical function and help manage your medical condition. The rehab program may help you better understand your condition and provide you with confidence to continue exercising in the community.

Referrals can be made by your GP or by the hospital if you have been recently admitted.

Sessions are held Tuesday 11.30am-1.30pm and Friday 11.30am-1.30pm.

For more information contact HARP on (03) 5173 8575.

If your condition is stable and you have a good understanding of your treatment plan, you may be able to use Hospital in the Home. The service enables people with certain illnesses to have all or part of their treatment at home with LRH staff visits.

If you aren’t getting better you may return to the Emergency Department for assessment and possible admission.

To contact Hospital in the Home phone (03) 5173 8000.

Specialist treatment such as ventilation and cardiac monitoring is provided to critically ill patients and patients requiring a high level of observation.

To contact the Critical Care Unit phone (03) 5173 8077 or (03) 5173 8078

Specialist treatment for liver disease and conditions.
The LRH Hepatology Service offers:

Inpatient and outpatient consultation
– compensated and decompensated cirrhosis
– viral hepatitis
– alcohol-related liver disease
– metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
– all other aetiologies of liver disease
Fibroscan
Abdominal paracentesis
– coordination of a day procedure (via Hospital in the Home)
– on the ward
Patient and carer support
Care coordination of patients with liver disease

Contact:
livernurse@lrh.com.au
Phone: 5173 8360
Fax: 5173 8027

Bringing a baby into the world is really big deal, a combination of happiness and responsibility. Our specialist team of midwives, obstetricians, nurses, lactation consultants and paediatricians work together to ensure you deliver a healthy baby safely.

For more information go to the Women’s and Children’s page .

You can also contact our Thomson Maternity on (03) 5173 8211, Midwives Antenatal Clinic (03) 5173 8809 and for Breastfeeding Support call (03) 5173 8211.

The I-MED Radiology Network provides medical imaging services to LRH.

Click here to view the range of services, find out operating hours and book an appointment.

LRH offers acute inpatient care to people experiencing mental illness. Community mental health services extend across the Latrobe Valley, Sale, Bairnsdale, Yarram, Orbost, Warragul and Wonthaggi. Our Macalister Unit has 10 acute beds for older people with complex needs relating to mental illness as well as 10 nursing home beds.

If you need to refer to specialist mental health care, require a consultation or need mental health information or advice, phone our Mental Health Triage on 1300 363 322.

For more information go to the Mental Health Services page.

Our occupational therapists and allied health assistants help people to adapt to and cope with demands, tasks and activities that are part of everyday life.

They may be patients trying to overcome physical, cognitive, psychological and social difficulties. For example, an occupational therapist may help a person who has experienced stroke to improve their coordination so they can continue to carry out activities or tasks at home.

The Occupational Therapy Unit is open Monday-Friday from 8am-4.30pm. Phone (03) 5173 8383.

For information on Organ and Tissue Donation go to www.donatelife.gov.au or call (03) 9347 0408

We provide inpatient paediatric services for children up to the age of 16.

This includes general medical, surgical, ear, nose and throat, orthopaedic and some oncology services.

We offer a sleeper bed and breakfast for parents so they can stay with their child.

Please let us know if your child has any allergies when they are admitted.

What we do

• We provide specialist assessment and management for people experiencing persistent pain
• We have a multidisciplinary team that uses a self-management approach to assist people with persistent pain

Who is eligible for this service?

• People who have persistent pain (> 3 months duration) who would like to learn how to better manage their pain

We offer

• an introductory information session conducted by the Pain Management Team
  multidisciplinary assessment
• a multidisciplinary group program teaching physical and psychological strategies to improve pain management and facilitate a return to daily activities
• individual pain management plans, telehealth options or further referrals as required

Referrals

• We accept General Practitioner and Specialist referrals
• All referrals are triaged based on priority
• For further referral information see Statewide Referral Criteria for Specialist Clinics/chronic pain https://src.health.vic.gov.au/specialities
• We do not manage medications or take on long term care

Download a service brochure here.

Send referrals to:

Fax: (03) 5173 8799 or

Mail: Pain Management Specialist Clinic

Latrobe Regional Hospital

PO Box 424   Traralgon   3844

Ph: (03) 5173 8822

Gippsland Regional Palliative Care Consultancy Service offers specialist consultation for palliative patients across Gippsland and support for palliative providers. The team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers and palliative care coordinators.

Referrals can be made by any health professional including GPs, palliative care services and staff from residential aged care facilities.

Contact the team Monday-Friday 8am-4.30pm on (03) 5173 8713.

An after hours service is available to health care professionals by phoning (03) 5173 8000.

Our Pharmacy Department dispenses medication to patients at the hospital and people who are outpatients. It also provides comprehensive education about medication to staff and patients.

Contact the hospital on (03) 5173 8000 to get in touch with Pharmacy.

Physiotherapists and allied health assistants work across the hospital, Cancer Care Centre, in outpatient clinics and community rehabilitation programs to support patients recovering from injury, illness, surgery, arthritis, amputation and joint replacements.

They also help people with neurological conditions such as stroke, respiratory conditions and balance and mobility problems.

The physio department is open Monday-Friday from 8am-4.30pm. Phone (03) 5173 8383.

LRH is a teaching hospital and accepts La Trobe University Undergraduate P&O student placements.

What we do

The P&O facility is fully-equipped and provides a comprehensive clinical and manufacturing service on site.

The Prosthetics Department offers a range of services related to the provision of external prostheses for child and adult amputees:

• Amputee Clinic
• Prosthetics for outpatients and inpatients

Who we care for

We provide treatment for a wide range of private and public clients who:

• require an amputation
• have been admitted to hospital or who are living in the community having undergone an amputation
• are long term and experienced prosthetic users.

Clinical service

The services for individuals with limb loss and deficiency include:

• interim prosthetic management
• lower limb prosthetic management, including microprocessor technology and osseo-integration
• upper limb prosthetic management
• telehealth appointments
• utilising gait analysis video technology and laser alignment tools

Amputee Clinic.

The Amputee Clinic is run weekly and includes an appointment with a Rehabilitation Consultant, Senior Prosthetist and a Senior Physiotherapist.

The aim of the clinic is to assess client needs and develop a tailored management plan to help achieve goals.

Funding

Our service supports patients funded under all systems including:

• Victorian Artificial Limb Program which provides prosthetic care free of charge to Medicare eligible public patients.
• NDIS
• Workcover
• TAC
• DVA
• Private

What to bring to your first appointment

• Medicare card
• Test results including relevant x-rays, scans, ultrasounds and pathology reports.
• List of medicines you are currently taking, including supplements and vitamins.
• Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame.
• The prosthesis and liners (if you have them already)

How to access this service

Call Allied Health reception on 03 5173 8383 for further information.

Referrals

A referral is needed to Amputee Clinic from your GP.

• Ph: 03 5173 8383
• Fax: 03 5173 8173
• Email: lrhpando@lrh.com.au

Location:

Consulting Suite 6, Latrobe Regional Health, Village Avenue, Traralgon VIC 3844

Free parking available at front of building.

Hours of operation:

Monday to Friday from 8am – 4.30pm

Links:

• Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association
• https://www.limbs4life.org.au/

Gippsland Radiation Oncology at LRH operates as a satellite service of Alfred Health. There are two linear accelerators delivering the most up-to-date advancements and accuracy in radiation therapy. The service is funded by Medicare so there are no out-of-pocket expenses.

Contact Gippsland Radiation Oncology on (03) 5173 8770.

Our Nicholson Unit offers specialised services for patients who have experienced stroke, amputation, acquired brain injury, neurological conditions, major surgery, serious or chronic medical problems.

These services are run by an experienced team of rehabilitation physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, dietitians, speech pathologists and a prosthetist/orthotist.

Community rehabilitation programs may be home-based or at the hospital.

Social workers help patients and their families/carers to cope with issues arising from illness or being in hospital. They offer counselling, support and information.

Social workers are available Monday to Friday 8am-4.30pm. For enquiries phone (03) 5173 8383.

Speech Pathologists work with people of all ages. They diagnose and treat swallowing and communication disorders, including difficulties with speech, language, fluency and voice.

Speech Pathologists also work with people who have difficulty communicating because of developmental delays, stroke, brain injuries, learning disability, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, dementia and hearing loss, as well as other problems that can affect speech and language.

For referrals or information phone (03) 5173 8383 or email: speech.pathology@lrh.com.au

LRH offers, orthopaedic, general, ear, nose and throat, gynaecological, obstetric, urological, paediatric, vascular, endoscopic and cardiac surgery. We have two dedicated endoscopy suites and a cardiac catheterisation laboratory.

Our Wound Management and Stomal Therapy Service helps with managing acute and chronic wounds and support for patients undergoing colorectal surgery and follow-up stomal therapy care.

Consultation is available Monday-Friday (except public holidays) from 8am-4pm.

Referrals are generally from our medical, nursing and allied health staff.

The Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (VPRS) is a statewide program providing intensive rehabilitation and assessments to children challenged by functional and mobility issues.

Health professionals such as speech pathologist and occupational therapists combine to support children to achieve their maximum potential through clinics and programs at LRH.

Referrals to the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service can be made through the VPRS website vprs.org.au