As we approach Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in June, GPs are reminded South Western Sydney Local Health District’s (SWSLHD) Direct Access Colonoscopy Clinic (DACC) is open for referrals of patients aged 45 to 75 with a positive faecal occult blood test (FOBT). 

GPs can refer patients with one positive FOBT, conducted via the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program or through private pathology, directly for colonoscopy without first needing an appointment to see a gastroenterologist.  

The DACC service expedites access to a colonoscopy and reduces cost barriers such as consultation fees, travel, parking and loss of income, by replacing the specialist consultation with a nurse-led telephone triage assessment.  

The nurse liaises directly with the GP and patient and guides the patient through the process. A gastroenterologist will only see the patient on the day of colonoscopy, at either Campbelltown or Liverpool hospitals. 

The service is open to residents of Wingecarribee, Campbelltown, Camden, Wollondilly, Liverpool and Fairfield who meet the eligibility criteria. Referrals can be made by completing this referral form and returning it to the Triple I Hub for triaging. 

Throughout 2025, SWSPHN staff and a Clinical Nurse Consultant will make practice visits across the region to discuss bowel cancer screening, referring patients to the DACC, and to provide support in flagging and recalling patients for bowel cancer screening. 

For bookings or enquiries, contact SWSPHN’s Integration and Priority Populations Coordinator Alyssa Horgan via email alyssa.horgan@swsphn.com.au or call 4632 3088. 

Find out more about Direct Access Colonoscopy services in NSW. 

Have your say on DACC service utilisation 

The Liver, Urology and Gastrointestinal Clinical Stream within SWSLHD is conducting a survey to understand the utilisation of the Direct Access Colonoscopy (DAC) service and to identify ways to improve it. Your participation is crucial for the success of this service. The survey should take about five to eight minutes to complete.  
 
Take the survey 

 

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program 

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia. If found early, more than 90 per cent of cases can be successfully treated.  

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program reduces illness and death from bowel cancer by detecting the early signs of the disease using a free, simple test which can be done at home. 

As of 2022-2023, the annual bowel cancer participation rate for people aged 50 to 74 in South Western Sydney was 33.8 per cent – one of the lowest rates in NSW.  

Bowel cancer is increasing in people under 50, leading the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to lower the screening program participation age to 45 years.  

There is a need to increase participation in the screening program generally, including in this younger portion of the target group. Encouragement and guidance from GPs in normalising screening behaviour has been shown to increase participation. 

Find out more about the Bowel Cancer Screening Program. 

National Cancer Screening Register  

Practices can access patient clinical information for the bowel and cervical screening programs. Access to the lung screening program will commence from July 2025.  

The National Cancer Screening Register offers a standardised interface which integrates seamlessly with clinical software to make the process of supporting patient participation in these life-saving programs easier. 

You can view step-by-step guides for enabling the integration in Best Practice, Medical Director and Communicare on the National Cancer Screening Register. 

Primary Care Onboarding Kit 

Clinical Software Integration