Accessibility Options

For Health Professionals

Overview

The Complex Geriatric Clinic (CGC) offers comprehensive geriatric assessments to older people aged 65 years and above, with health or ageing related problems. 

The CGC does not replace clinics (such as Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS), Falls and Balance Clinic and Continence Clinic; anyone who would benefit from these specialist clinics should be directly referred in via their referral pathways.  

We do not see any patients who would be better served under the mental health service, or who primarily has alcohol and/or drug related problems.  

Any single organ pathology would be better reviewed by the relevant specialist service.   

Referral process

Central Intake Unit
Queen Elizabeth Centre, Ballarat 
Fax: 03 5320 3893 

The Geriatricians involved in the Complex Geriatric Clinic are:  

  • Dr Alfredo Obieta  
  • Dr Edmund Fitzgerald  
  • Dr Gurvinder Chana  
  • Dr Rachel Yam  
  • Dr Yih Harng Chong  
  • Assoc Prof Mark Yates  
  • Advanced Trainee in Geriatric Medicine  

Referral criteria

Please send a referral with the following information to better assist with the triaging process:  

  • Your specific clinical question for the clinic  
  • Current medical problems  
  • Current living situation, social support and any safety concerns  
  • Most recent investigations including:       
    • Hard copy of Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and clock drawing test (CDT) 
    • FBE, U&E, LFTs, TFTs, B12 & Folate, Ca+, PO4, HbA1C (within 6 months) 
    • CT brain (within 12 months) 
    • Summary of medical history 
    • Current list of medications/allergies 
    • ECG 
    • Clinical documentation from private specialists if applicable 

Patients requiring immediate assessment should be referred to the Emergency Department of the local hospital.  

We accept all referrals from GP and medical specialists/nurse practitioners across the Grampians Health catchment area.  

Selected patients may be offered telehealth service. Home visits and aged care community visits are dependent on clinical needs.   

Clinic sessions

Clinics are conducted on Tuesdays to Fridays. These are held at the Queen Elizabeth Centre, Ballarat.  

For Health Professionals