The referral form for the Centre for Obesity Management (COM) can be accessed here – Referral form
Please read the following information before making a referral.
Post or email the referral form:
- Email to: centralreferral.office@hse.ie
- Post to: Central Referrals, St Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18
Referral Criteria:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) >30 kg/m2 with at least one obesity-related complication.
- Obesity treatment in the community has not been sufficiently effective, or the patient does not have access to treatment within the community.
- The patient is agreeable to the referral.
- The patient understands that this referral is for Level 3 multidisciplinary obesity management, in line with the HSE model of care (2022). This service manages obesity as a chronic disease. Following assessment the management plan will include multidisciplinary team support, consideration of appropriate medications, bariatric surgery and other interventions. It is important for the referring clinician and patient to understand that medications and/or surgery may not be appropriate in some cases.
Patients may not be suitable for COM referral if they:
- Have active psychiatric disease.
- Do not wish to attend the service.
- Are unable to travel to St. Columcille’s Hospital (some appointments may be virtual but there will be a minimum number of in-person appointments).
Sleep Apnoea
There is a high risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in patients living with obesity. Not all patients with OSA will report typical symptoms such as poor sleep and daytime somnolence. OSA screening is mandatory as a work up for Bariatric Surgery. In order to avoid undue delays in this pathway, early referral to a sleep clinic is preferable.
We recommend referring the patient for assessment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.
Mental Health
The successful management of obesity as a chronic disease is improved by appropriate mental health support and therapy when appropriate. If your patient has a history of unresolved trauma, an active mood disorder or other mental health condition, please consider a referral to an appropriate service, such as the National Counselling Service (NCS) or local mental health service.
Bariatric Surgery
During the programme the multidisciplinary team will consider the suitability of each patient for Bariatric Surgery. If the patient is deemed safe and appropriate for a surgical procedure, and if they are agreeable to having surgery, they will be referred to the Level 4 Bariatric Surgery team.
Check List:
- Fill out the referral form with as much detail as possible.
- Measure the weight and height to calculate BMI, and record it on the referral form (the referral will not be processed and will be returned if this step is incomplete).