Frequently Asked Questions

1: Who does the ISLAND clinic see?

The clinic takes referrals for any Tasmanian adult who has concerns about their memory and cognition and does not have a current diagnosis of having dementia. You will need a referral from your General Practitioner.

2: How can I arrange an appointment with The ISLAND Clinic?

We will contact you to arrange an appointment in response to receiving a referral from your General Practitioner. Your GP will first need to understand your concerns and may want to carry out preliminary testing first.

3: What should I expect before my appointment?

Your GP will arrange any tests that you need to have before your appointment at the clinic. Where necessary, we will arrange scans through iMed Tasmania.

We will send you a Welcome Pack before your appointment. This pack contains information about the clinic and our research. It also contains several surveys to be completed by you and your carer/family member. These surveys are important because they provide us with helpful information about your memory and cognition concerns.

4: What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring:

  • A friend or family member with you
  • Your Medicare card and any concession cards
  • The completed questionnaires in your welcome pack
  • All your medications, both prescription and non-prescription

5: How long will I be at the clinic?

Your appointment may take about 6 hours. If you do not feel that you are able to manage a whole day, please tell us and we will try to split up assessments across days to make it easier.

We may also see you via telehealth if you are unable to come to the clinic in person.

6: Will the clinic cost me anything?

No, it will not cost you anything because our clinic bulk bills. Please bring your Medicare/DVA card and any concession cards with you.

7: What happens at my clinic appointment?

You will have several assessments with different health specialists. You will:

  • Arrive in the morning and have two to three hours of assessments
  • Then have about one hour break for lunch
  • Then return in the afternoon for about two hours to discuss your diagnosis (when appropriate) and management plan.

8: What will I gain by coming to the clinic?

You will have a thorough investigation of your memory and cognition concerns.

You and your General Practitioner will receive a report of your results and a plan for your ongoing care. We’ll also provide you with information and resources, depending on your circumstances. We will also make you aware of opportunities that may modify the progression of the disease.

9: What research is the clinic involved with?

The ISLAND Clinic is part of the national Australian Dementia Network or ADNeT. ADNeT aims to collect information to improve our knowledge of dementia across Australia. This will help Australia to plan for the health needs of future generations.

If you choose to participate in our research, you can be assured that no-one will be able to identify you from any of your data that is used in research activities.

10: Can I take part in research?

Yes – you can take part in our research. Your welcome pack will include information about research that explains what participating in research might involve and how to take part.

Participation in research is optional. If you do not want to participate in research, you can still attend our clinic for assessment

11: Should I bring someone to my clinic appointment with me?

Yes, we prefer that you bring a family member, carer or other support person when you come to your appointment.

12: Where is the clinic located?

We’re located at the University of Tasmania Medical Science Precinct, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart.

You can enter the building on the corner of Liverpool and Campbell Streets. Free onsite parking is available on request and we also have wheelchair access to the clinic. You can also reach us by phone on 6226 4862 or email at ISLAND.clinic@utas.edu.au