98Requirements for form of referral

98 Requirements for form of referral

(1) Subject to subsection (2), a referral must be: (a) in writing; and (b) signed by the referring practitioner; and (c) dated. Emergencies (2) Subsection (1) does not apply if: (a) the referring practitioner decides that it is necessary in the patient’s interests for the patient to be referred to the specialist or consultant physician as soon as practicable; and (b) subsection (3) applies to the patient. (3) This subsection applies to a patient who is: (a) at risk of serious morbidity or mortality requiring urgent assessment and resuscitation; or (b) suffering from suspected acute organ or system failure; or (c) suffering from an illness or injury where the viability or function of a body part or organ is acutely threatened; or (d) suffering from a drug overdose, toxic substance or toxin effect; or (e) experiencing severe psychiatric disturbance which puts the health of the patient or other people at immediate risk; or (f) suffering acute severe pain where the viability or function of a body part or organ is suspected to be acutely threatened; or (g) suffering acute significant haemorrhage requiring urgent assessment and treatment.