Direct Access Colonoscopy Service

The South Western Sydney Local Health District - Direct Access Colonoscopy (DAC) service is available to patients aged between 45 and 74 years who live in Local Government Areas of LIVERPOOL, FAIRFIELD, CAMPBELLTOWN, CAMDEN, WOLLONDILLY and WINGECARRIBEE who return a positive FOBT.

Through this DAC-nurse led service, patients with minor health problems will proceed directly to their colonoscopy at either Liverpool or Campbelltown Hospitals without first seeing a Specialist. Patients with significant health problems will be scheduled a review by a Specialist before having their colonoscopy.

The steps are outlined below:

1. Inform your patient of the positive FOBT result and recommend a colonoscopy. Ensure that your patient is willing to attend this test, which will be arranged by our DAC nurse.
   
2. Complete the referral form correctly: incomplete forms may delay the process.
   
3. Fax or email the completed referral form, recent blood tests (FBE, UEC, LFT, Iron studies) and FOBT results to:
   
   • Fax: Triple I Hub on 02-46218799 or
     
   • Email: SWSLHD-TripleI@health.nsw.gov.au.
4. The referral form will be reviewed to determine if your patient is suitable for DAC.
   
5. Patients who are suitable for DAC will be contacted by Triple-I Hub to arrange a telephone appointment with our DAC nurse. An hour-long appointment is required to discuss the nature of the procedure including bowel preparation, completing the admission form and scheduling of the procedure.
   
6. Patients who are not suitable for DAC will be scheduled an appointment to see a specialist in the clinic before having a colonoscopy.
   
7. Depending on the colonoscopy result, your patient may see you or a Gastroenterologist after the colonoscopy – you will be notified of this outcome and follow-up plan.
   
8. For more information, please contact the DAC service: Email SWSLHD-DirectAccessColonoscopy@health.nsw.gov.au

Instructions after signing in:
Click Medical > Click Gastroenterology > Click Colorectal > Click Positive Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)