RADIUS is a community-facing unit within The Sutherland Hospital for undifferentiated, complex medical patients, who are not critically unwell

  • staffed from 0930 to 1800, Monday to Friday
    • day stay unit
    • outpatient clinic
  • referrals from ED, as well as GPs and SouthCare
    • referrals from ED for outpatient clinic follow up should be discussed with the on call General Medicine consultant and submitted in eMR: go to Orders and add “RADIUS consult”
  • RADIUS provides for the initial rapid assessment of patients for treatment, intervention and referral to services or follow-up consultation to enable discharge home. Should a patient require more in-depth assessment, treatment and management, they will require admission to an inpatient bed within a ward-based area.
  • Referral criteria:
  • The patient:
    • is ≥ 16 years of age
    • is clinically stable
    • requires rapid assessment, diagnosis and intervention
    • has an undifferentiated presentation requiring medical assessment and treatment. A diagnosis is not required prior to acceptance or transfer to the unit
    • May have a history of chronic and/or complex condition(s) and/or multiple comorbidities
  • Guidance on appropriate referrals for RADIUS:
    • Undifferentiated symptoms:
      • Generally unwell
      • Fever, haemodynamically stable
      • Chest pain, with no features of suspicious for angina
      • Acute pain
      • Cough
    • Dizziness if FAST negative and stroke unlikely.
    • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and pyelonephritis
    • Back pain
    • Falls without syncope
    • Rheumatological disorders (e.g. crystal arthropathy, osteo-arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica)
    • Cellulitis without collection/abscess and not involving the hands, face, abdominal wall or breasts
    • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
    • Pulmonary embolus
    • Electrolyte abnormalities not requiring cardiac monitoring during replacement
    • Hypertension if SBP < than 200
    • Dermatology presentations and other skin and tissue disorders such as rash or leg ulcers
    • Allergic reaction without features of anaphylaxis
    • Oedema/swelling
    • Constipation
    • Reduced mobility/function, lethargy
    • Infections
    • Pneumonia
    • Shortness of Breath (not requiring supplemental oxygen)
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