The updated referral criteria include: 

• Assessment of asthma management in children 
• Assessment of chronic or recurrent abdominal pain in children 
• Assessment of the management of epilepsy and seizures in children 
• Faltering growth (failure to thrive) in infants 
• Headache in children 
• Height concerns in children 
• Obesity in children 

These provide clear and concise guidance for several commonly presenting conditions where referral for specialist opinion and management is indicated. 

The criteria identify the information that should be included to assess and direct the patient to the best service available. To ensure patients can be placed on a specialist clinic wait list, referrals should include the mandatory information specified in the relevant criteria, with additional information provided where available. 

Statewide referral criteria apply to public hospitals and health services only. The children’s medicine suite joins 21 suites of specialist referral criteria already in existence across Victoria. 

GPs and other primary care providers should check the SEMPHN Clinical and Referral Guidance Hub when considering a referral. If the referral is not accepted, GPs can find up-to-date clinical advice on how to effectively manage these conditions within the community.