Alice Springs Hospital

You need a written referral from an authorised healthcare professional first to get an appointment at the hospital to see a specialist. You cannot make an appointment without this referral.

Once your referral has been reviewed by the specialist, you will be offered a choice of times and dates for your appointment.

If you have a mobile phone, you will receive a text message 2 days before to remind you about your appointment.

If your appointment is non-urgent, you will be sent an appointment letter.

You should tell the hospital if your phone number or address changes.

Attending your appointment

You should arrive on time for your appointment. If you're late, the doctor may not be able to see you.

Bring your current Medicare card as it will need to be checked when you arrive at reception. If you don't have a Medicare card, you may be charged extra fees.

The outpatient department is located on the left in the hospital’s main entrance. The eye clinic outpatients is located on the right.

Find out how to get to Alice Springs Hospital.

Sometimes the number of emergency appointments may mean your appointment is postponed.

You must give 24 hours notice if you need to reschedule your appointment, so other patients can be offered your appointment.

If you need to cancel your appointment, call 1800 761 855.

If you miss your appointment

If you don't go to your scheduled outpatient appointment, your medical history will be reviewed and you may be removed from the waiting list.

Alternatively, a specialist may decide that you still need urgent or non-urgent care.

If you need urgent care, hospital staff will call you to book another appointment.

If you need non-urgent care, you will be sent a letter inviting you to contact the outpatient department to book another appointment.

If you don't contact the outpatient department within 30 days, you will be discharged from the specialist clinic.

The hospital will consider your circumstances if you are disadvantaged or are experiencing genuine hardship.

Contact the outpatient department

The Alice Springs Hospital Outpatient Department is open from 8am to 4:21pm Monday to Friday, except for public holidays.

Call 1800 761 855 between 8am to 4pm from Monday to Friday, except for public holidays.

Referrals should be faxed to 08 8980 0738 or emailed to intakeopdash.doh@nt.gov.au.

Getting help from an Aboriginal interpreter

You can ask for an Aboriginal interpreter to help you understand information during your hospital appointment.

Professional interpreters can be with you during your appointment, or link up via video conference or over the phone.

The service is free if you are a patient in hospital or when you come to hospital for an appointment.

Aboriginal interpreters for Alice Springs Hospital appointments can be booked by calling 08 8951 5576.

The Aboriginal Interpreter Service also offers a 24 hour on-call service on 1800 334 944.