Specialty: Children's surgery
Age group: Children
Criteria for referral to public hospital service
- Microtia, congenital ear anomalies, protruding ears and constricted ears in a child younger than 18 years
- Traumatic ear deformities in a child younger than 18 years.
Information to be included in the referral
Information that must be provided
- Findings on physical examination
- Child’s age
- If referral relates to injury detail: date, mechanism, severity, recurrence and evolution of injury
- Functional or psychological impact on quality of life or activities of daily living including impact on work, study or social activities.
Provide if available
- Colour photograph(s) – with patient's consent where secure image transfer, identification and storage is possible. These images often assist with identifying clinical urgency and the most appropriate specialist clinic or service
- Statement about the parent(s) or guardian’s interest in having surgical treatment if that is a possible intervention
- If the child identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- If the child is neurodiverse, gender diverse or has a disability
- If the child has a preferred language other than English and if they rely on cultural or linguistic support (e.g. Aboriginal cultural support, an interpreter)
- If the child lives in out-of-home care (foster care, kinship care, permanent care or residential care)
- If the child is aged 14-18 years, do they consent that their health information is shared with their parent, guardian or carer.
Additional comments
The Minimum information for referrals to non-admitted specialist services lists the information that should be included in a referral request.
Where appropriate and available the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service.
Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for
Not applicable.
Reviewed 12 August 2025