ENT Emergency Appointments with Dr Brett Leavers

Key points
  • Some ear, nose, throat, head and neck conditions need prompt ENT assessment, particularly when symptoms are sudden or worsening.
  • Urgent ENT assessment may be appropriate for sudden hearing loss, persistent nosebleeds, significant throat or facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, severe ear pain, rapidly worsening ear infections or concerning neck lumps.
  • Your GP or Emergency Department may recommend urgent ENT review when specialist assessment is needed.
  • Not every urgent ENT problem requires hospital emergency care, but severe breathing difficulty, choking, inability to swallow saliva or rapidly worsening airway swelling require immediate emergency medical care.

Urgent ENT appointments across New South Wales

If you’re experiencing a sudden or concerning ear, nose, throat, head or neck condition, timely assessment by an ENT specialist may be appropriate. Dr Brett Leavers is an Australian-trained ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon providing urgent specialist consultations across multiple locations in New South Wales.

Where clinically appropriate and subject to appointment availability, same-day or next-day consultations may be available for patients requiring prompt ENT assessment.

Call reception: (02) 9037 6373  |  Request an urgent appointment online 

Appointment availability depends on clinical urgency, clinic scheduling and location.

Do you need an urgent ENT appointment?

Not every ear, nose or throat problem requires emergency treatment. However, some symptoms may require prompt assessment by an ENT specialist to help determine the cause and whether further investigation or treatment is needed.

An urgent ENT appointment may be appropriate if you experience:

  • Sudden hearing loss
  • Persistent or heavy nosebleeds
  • Significant throat swelling
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Persistent hoarseness or voice changes
  • Severe ear pain or rapidly worsening ear infections
  • Deep neck or facial swelling
  • Neck lumps requiring urgent assessment
  • Unexpected symptoms following recent ENT surgery
  • A condition your GP or Emergency Department has recommended for urgent ENT review

These symptoms do not always indicate a serious condition. However, early specialist assessment may help clarify the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate management based on your individual circumstances.

If you are unsure whether your symptoms require urgent ENT assessment, our reception team can discuss appointment availability and help guide you to the most appropriate pathway.

When should you go directly to hospital?

Some ear, nose and throat conditions require immediate emergency medical care rather than a specialist clinic appointment.

Call 000 or attend your nearest Emergency Department immediately if you experience:

  • Severe difficulty breathing
  • Inability to swallow saliva
  • Choking
  • Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
  • Rapidly worsening airway swelling
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Significant facial trauma
  • Symptoms that are rapidly deteriorating

These situations require emergency medical treatment and should not be delayed while arranging a clinic appointment.

If your symptoms are urgent but stable, contact our clinic to discuss the earliest available specialist appointment.

Conditions commonly referred for urgent ENT assessment

Dr Brett Leavers provides specialist assessment for a wide range of urgent ear, nose and throat conditions. Following a comprehensive consultation, he will explain the findings and discuss the most appropriate management options for your individual circumstances.

Sudden hearing loss

A sudden reduction in hearing, particularly in one ear, may require prompt specialist assessment. Early evaluation can help determine the cause and whether further investigation or treatment is appropriate.

Severe nosebleeds

Persistent, recurrent or heavy nosebleeds that do not settle with first aid measures may require assessment by an ENT specialist to identify the source of bleeding and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Significant throat swelling

Swelling affecting swallowing, speaking or throat comfort may require urgent evaluation, particularly if symptoms are worsening or associated with infection.

Deep neck infections or facial swelling

Rapidly developing swelling of the face or neck may require specialist assessment to determine the underlying cause and whether additional investigations or hospital management are required.

Severe ear infections

Persistent ear pain, swelling around the ear, hearing changes or symptoms that do not improve with initial treatment may require further assessment by an ENT specialist.

Neck lumps requiring prompt assessment

Some neck lumps require timely evaluation, particularly if they develop suddenly, continue to enlarge or are associated with other concerning symptoms.

Post-operative ENT concerns

Unexpected bleeding, worsening pain, increasing swelling or other unexpected symptoms following ENT surgery should be assessed promptly.

What happens during an urgent ENT consultation?

Many patients are understandably unsure what to expect after being referred for urgent specialist assessment.

During your consultation, Dr Brett Leavers will carefully review your symptoms, medical history and any previous investigations before performing a comprehensive examination of the affected area.

Depending on your individual circumstances, your consultation may include:

  • Review of your GP referral or Emergency Department documentation
  • Discussion of your current symptoms and how they developed
  • Examination of the ears, nose, throat and neck
  • Flexible nasendoscopy, where clinically appropriate, to examine the upper airway and voice box
  • Review of hearing tests, imaging or pathology results (if available)
  • Discussion of whether further investigations are required

Following assessment, Dr Leavers will explain your diagnosis and discuss the most appropriate management options. Depending on your condition, recommendations may include medical treatment, further investigations, ongoing monitoring, referral for hospital care or discussion of surgical management where clinically appropriate.

Patients are encouraged to ask questions so they can make informed decisions about their care.

What happens after you contact us?

Seeking urgent specialist care can feel overwhelming, particularly if you’re unsure how quickly you need to be seen. Our team aims to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Step 1: speak with our reception team

When you contact our clinic, our reception staff will ask a few questions about your symptoms, referral status and preferred location. This helps us understand your circumstances and discuss the earliest suitable appointment.

Step 2: appointment assessment

Where clinically appropriate and subject to availability, we will discuss the earliest available consultation, including same-day or next-day appointments where possible.

Step 3: specialist consultation

During your appointment, Dr Brett Leavers will assess your symptoms, review your medical history and any available investigations, perform a comprehensive examination and explain his findings.

Step 4: individualised management plan

Following your assessment, Dr Leavers will discuss the most appropriate next steps based on your diagnosis and individual circumstances. This may include medical treatment, additional investigations, ongoing monitoring, referral for hospital care or discussion of surgical management where appropriate.

Meet Dr Brett Leavers

ENT emergency appointments

Dr Brett Leavers is an Australian-trained ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon with more than 10 years of experience assessing and managing a wide range of ear, nose, throat, head and neck conditions across New South Wales.

He provides specialist care for both routine and urgent ENT presentations, working closely with GPs, Emergency Departments and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive timely assessment and appropriate management.

Dr Leavers consults across multiple locations throughout New South Wales and provides comprehensive assessment for adults and children with urgent ENT concerns.

Qualifications

  • Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)
  • Australian-trained ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon
  • Specialist expertise in ear, nose and throat disorders
  • Experienced in both medical and surgical management of ENT conditions

Every patient is assessed individually, and treatment recommendations are based on a thorough clinical assessment, current evidence and each person’s individual circumstances.

Do I need a GP referral?

While Dr Leavers can see patients without a GP referral, having one ensures you can claim a Medicare rebate for your visit. A referral letter also passes along your medical background, medications, and test results, which helps optimize your care. Appointments without a referral are welcome but will incur full out-of-pocket private fees.

If you’re unsure, contact our team and we can advise on the most appropriate pathway.

Where are urgent ENT appointments available?

Dr Brett Leavers consults at multiple locations across New South Wales, providing patients with access to specialist ENT care closer to home.

Appointment availability varies between consulting locations. When you contact our reception team, we will discuss the earliest suitable appointment based on:

  • the urgency of your symptoms
  • your preferred consulting location
  • appointment availability
  • any referral information already available

Where clinically appropriate and subject to availability, same-day or next-day appointments may be offered for patients requiring prompt specialist assessment.

Need to be seen urgently?

✔ Same-day and next-day appointments may be available*

✔ Prompt specialist assessment for urgent ENT conditions

✔ Multiple consulting locations across New South Wales

✔ GP and Emergency Department referrals accepted

✔ Referral guidance available if your referral is still being arranged

Call reception: (02) 9037 6373 or Request an urgent appointment online

Appointment availability depends on clinical urgency, clinic scheduling and location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a same-day ENT appointment?

Same-day appointments may be available depending on clinical urgency and appointment availability. Contact our team for current availability.

A referral is preferred, but urgent cases can be discussed with our staff.

Airway obstruction, sudden hearing loss, infected neck lumps, epistaxis (nosebleeds), and complications from ENT surgery.

If available, please bring:

  • A current GP referral
  • Emergency Department discharge summary (if applicable)
  • Hearing test results
  • Relevant scans or imaging reports
  • Blood test or pathology results
  • A list of current medications
  • Private health insurance details (if applicable)

If you do not yet have these documents, please let our reception team know when booking your appointment.

Important information

This article is intended for general education only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, speak with your GP or ask your GP to write a referral to see Dr Leavers.

Picture of Dr Brett Leavers
Dr Brett Leavers

Dr Brett Leavers is an Australian-trained Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Head and Neck Surgeon. He has been practising across NSW for over ten years.

When to see a doctor

  • Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear
  • Heavy or persistent nosebleeds
  • Significant throat, facial or neck swelling
  • Difficulty swallowing or persistent voice changes
  • Severe ear pain or a rapidly worsening ear infection

Symptoms vary from person to person — if you're concerned, it's worth getting assessed

Meet Dr Leavers

dr leavers ent specialist sydney aus

Dr Leavers, BMedSci MBBS (Hons) FRACS (ORL-HNS), is an ENT Specialist, Head and Neck Surgeon who treats adult and paediatric conditions.

Need an ENT Specialist? See Dr Leavers.

Contact our rooms for personalised advice. Our staff can assist with triage and help determine if an urgent appointment is needed.

Your symptoms matter. Early assessment can make a difference.
Book your ENT emergency appointment with Dr Brett Leavers today.

dr leavers ent specialist contact

Send us a message

You can call us on (02) 9037 6373 to make an appointment or discuss our medical services. One of our team members will be available to take your call during business hours. If you would prefer email, you can send us an enquiry using the form below.





    Our Clinic Locations

    Darlinghurst

    St Vincent’s Clinic Suite 1008, Level 10, 438 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

    Rozelle

    Sydney Specialist Suites 670B Darling St, Rozelle NSW 2039

    Kogarah

    St George Private Hospital Suite 14, level 4, 1 South St, Kogarah NSW 2217

    Denistone

    52 Denistone Road, Eastwood NSW 2122

    Griffith

    St Vincent’s Private Community Hospital 41- 45 Animoo Avenue, Griffith NSW 2680