Information for referrers 

Referrals for new developmental and behavioural patient referrals are currently being triaged with some limited availability for some patients in our local area (Sunshine Coast only) to be seen in 2027 by some of our Paediatricians, at their discretion, as below.

Acute medical and acute/ severe mental health conditions are not able to be seen in a timely manner, so we advise referrers to continue to refer to acute Paediatric and Mental health services through Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health services or other private Paediatric and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry services.

Dr Rachel Noovao - books currently closed, but aiming to accept a small number of referrals for ADHD, Learning, Sleep & Continence difficulties in 2027 (for children under 10 years of age only). She does not have capacity to see new patients with more complex neurodevelopmental difficulties, including ASD for the foreseeable future & is working at reduced hours, due to her own family medical issues.

Dr Andrew Dawson-Smith - will be commencing clinics at Coastal Developmental Paediatrics in December 2026 with limited appointment availability for children under 12 years age in the local Sunshine Coast region only, with developmental and behavioural conditions (not complex mental health issues), following his triage of suitable GP referrals.

Dr Samantha Williams and Dr Helen Hall - books currently closed due to existing patient case-load, and will advise referrers when able to accept referrals for Medical and/ or Developmental/ Behavioural appointments.

Dr Jasmine Eldridge and Dr Heidi Webster - appointment books are now closed to new referrals due to these Paediatricians being currently at capacity with existing patients and referrals.

When appointment books are open to new patient referrals, we accept referrals through medical objects, fax or email. All patients must have a current valid GP referral to book an appointment, and the Paediatricians will triage and accept or decline new referrals as per the Dr's scope of practice and capacity to offer care dependant on their existing patient case load. 

Once the referral is received, triaged and accepted by the Paediatrician, administration members will phone the patient’s parents directly to make an appointment. If the referral is not accepted by any Paediatrician at CDP, the referrer will be notified of this by letter.

Existing patients do require up-to-date referrals, with annual referral renewals recommended to maintain accurate communication pathways between the Paediatrician and referring Dr, and to ensure patients remain eligible for Medicare rebates for specialist services. Referral renewals for ongoing clients are accepted via the pathways below.

Please send referrals to one of the Paediatricians via either: