Craniofacial conditions Referral Access Criteria

• Complex facial fracture with bleeding and/or airway obstruction that is life threatening and/or visual disturbance/threat to eye
• Acute nasal fracture with septal haematoma

• Infection post-reconstructive surgery/cancer treatment
• Difficulty eating/drinking after surgery/cancer treatment

NB: Where appropriate, contact the surgeon/service that completed the initial surgery

• Adult cleft lip and/or palate with ongoing functional issues (e.g. chewing, swallowing) despite cleft lip and/or palate surgery
• Facial nerve palsy requiring reconstruction
• Craniofacial conditions requiring reconstruction in any of the following circumstances:
  • resulting from cancer or its treatment
  • any bony or soft tissue deformity resulting from trauma, disease, congenital or developmental disorder
  • difficulty with chewing or swallowing
  • any other symptoms not listed above, persisting ≥12 months (e.g. Bell’s Palsy)

Referrals missing 'mandatory information' with no explanation provided may not be accepted by site. If 'mandatory information' is not included, the explanation must be provided in the body of the referral (e.g. patient unable to access test in regional or remote areas or due to financial reasons). This information is required to inform accurate and timely triage.

If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/findings in the body of the referral and advise where (provider) investigation/imaging was completed.

• Relevant history, onset, duration and severity of symptoms
• Degree of functional impairment (e.g. impact on mobility/exercise tolerance/ADLs/ability to work/quality of life)
• Details of previous treatment and outcome
• Current medication list
• Any known allergies

• Nil

• Nil

• Details of smoking and/or vaping (containing nicotine) status
• Advise whether or not your patient is taking any anti-platelets or anti-coagulants
  • if so, state the indication

• BMI
• Photograph of the area

• CT

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

• Craniofacial conditions as a result of cancer 

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

• Bony soft tissue deformity resulting from trauma, disease, congenital or development disorder
• Craniofacial injuries resulting in functional impairment and/or pain

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

• Ongoing functional issues (e.g. chewing, swallowing) despite cleft lip or palate surgery
• Any other craniofacial conditions 

• Nil

• Some craniofacial conditions can be referred to any of the following specialties and will be triaged in line with local agreements:
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Ear, Nose, and Throat
  • Oral Maxillofacial Surgery