Adolescent Medicine

Who we are

The PCH Adolescent Medicine and Eating Disorders (AMED) Department is the only hospital-based medical unit in Western Australia that caters specifically for adolescents with complex health needs. 

We provide both inpatient and outpatient care and support.

Our large multidisciplinary team includes professionals from medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, social work, physiotherapy, clinical psychology, psychiatry and education.

Conditions we manage

The AMED Department sees young people with complex medical issues such as:
  • Eating disorders (external link) (also see the Eating Disorders Program for further information)
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Pain syndromes 
  • Physical symptoms secondary to underlying emotional difficulties (somatisation).

The AMED team also provides consultation on cases involving adolescents with chronic illnesses (such as cystic fibrosis, congenital heart disease and arthritis), mental health issues, drug and alcohol use, and other complex conditions. 

Services we provide

  • Inpatient management of patients admitted to PCH under the care of the AMED Department 
  • Outpatient management of patients referred to the Adolescent Medicine clinic
  • Medical input for the Eating Disorders Program 
  • A specific program for young people with chronic fatigue syndrome
  • A consultation role for inpatients admitted under the care of other medical and surgical teams
  • Collaboration with other PCH departments that have a strong emphasis on adolescent health
  • Coordination of the multidisciplinary team. 

Referrals

All Specialist Rooms, GP’s and WACHS referrers are being advised to direct all non-urgent referrals for PCH outpatient services to the Central Referral Service.  

Online

https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Central-Referral-Service-guide-for-referrers 

  • New referrals will be assessed against the eligibility guidelines and prioritised according to medical need.
  • Referrals from Nurse Practitioners, other non-medical referrers and private hospitals (including those with a private-public partnership) are to be directed to PCH Referral Office.
  • All urgent referrals are to be sent to the PCH Referral Office.
  • Urgent referrals must always be discussed with the PCH Consultant / Registrar on call before the referral is sent.
  • The referral needs to include the name of the Consultant/ Registrar the referrer spoke to.
  • Each referral is to be faxed individually.

PCH switchboard

6456 2222

PCH Referral Office fax

6456 0097

PCH Referral Office email

pch.referrals@health.wa.gov.au

Hours

Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm.

Reception is closed on weekends and public holidays.

Location

Inpatients

Hospital-based treatment of young people under the care of AMED usually takes place on Ward 4A on Level 4. 

Best lifts to use: Green 

Outpatients

The Eating Disorders Program outpatient service and day program is located in Clinic K on Level 2. 

Best lifts to use: Pink

View the PCH map for more information.

Contact us

Phone: 6456 2222 (PCH switchboard)