CATCH is a nurse-led service which focuses on non-critical patients. CATCH provides a paediatric specialist advice phone line to clinicians across Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

CATCH aims to provide a single point of contact for specialist clinical advice. Advice is delivered via phone, teleconferencing and Telehealth. CATCH also facilitates non-critical paediatric inter-hospital transfers and back transfers.

CATCH does not aim to replicate or substitute Retrieval Services Queensland (RSQ), Neonatal Retrieval Services Queensland (NEORSQ) or the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS).

CATCH helps any clinician working in metropolitan, regional or rural areas of Queensland and Northern New South Wales by supporting them through the early assessment, diagnosis and management of children. CATCH aims to support equitable access to tertiary services for all children through improved patient flow.

CATCH also assists General Practitioners (GP’s) with access to clinical advice from Paediatric Specialists, and assistance with referrals to the Emergency Department at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital. View LCCH referral guidelines.

The CATCH processes are underpinned by Triage Tools, the Paediatric Trauma Triage Tool and the Paediatric Medical Triage Tool. The tools assist with standardised decision making about the safe and appropriate interhospital transfer of paediatric patients.