Accessing Acute General Surgery Care

This page provides general information about how emergency general surgical care is accessed in the Canberra region.

What is Emergency General Surgery?

Emergency general surgery covers a range of conditions that arise suddenly and may require urgent assessment, and in some cases urgent surgery. Common conditions include appendicitis, bowel obstruction, complications of gallstones, strangulated or obstructed hernias, perforation of the bowel, and traumatic injury to the abdomen.

When to seek Emergency Care

If you are experiencing sudden or severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, a hernia that has become painful or cannot be pushed back in, signs of significant injury, or any symptoms you consider a medical emergency, you should seek immediate attention through the Emergency Department at Canberra Hospital or by calling 000.

How referral and Admission works at Canberra Hospital

Acute general surgical patients are typically assessed through the Emergency Department, or referred urgently by a GP, and then reviewed by the on-call general surgical team at Canberra Hospital. Dr Lau is involved in the delivery of this emergency general surgery and trauma service, working alongside the broader surgical and emergency medicine teams to assess and manage patients requiring urgent care.