Do I need a referral to see Dr Schwass?

Yes. A valid referral from your GP or another specialist is required to see Dr Schwass. This ensures your Medicare rebate is available and your care is coordinated.

Which conditions does Coffs Harbour Orthopaedic Specialists treat?

We manage a wide range of conditions including hip and knee arthritis, sports knee injuries such as ACL tears, shoulder problems, and fractures in adults and children.

Where will my surgery be performed?

Surgery is generally performed at local hospitals in Coffs Harbour, including public and private facilities, depending on your clinical needs and health fund status.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Please bring your referral, Medicare card, any relevant imaging (X-rays, CT, MRI) and a list of your medications. Arriving 10–15 minutes early helps with registration and paperwork.

Community engagement

Community engagement is a core part of our practice philosophy. We are dedicated to supporting the Coffs Harbour region through education, collaboration with local clinicians, and involvement with sporting groups. By building strong local relationships, we aim to enhance access to high-quality orthopaedic care and improve outcomes for our community.

March 2026 - FOCUS Magazine

We’re proud to have been featured in FOCUS Magazine, where we share a little more about who we are, what we do, and why we’re passionate about providing orthopaedic care in Coffs Harbour. It reflects our commitment to helping patients access advanced surgical care close to home, without needing to travel.

Click here to read the article: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FSWFU5key

March 2026 - NSW Rugby League patient pathways

We recently met with representatives from NSW Rugby League to discuss establishing streamlined referral pathways and improving access to orthopaedic care for their players. The focus of the meeting was on facilitating early assessment, timely imaging, and rapid access to specialist review and surgical management where required. By working closely with NSWRL and their associated clubs, we aim to ensure injured players can be assessed and treated efficiently, minimising time away from the game while maintaining a strong emphasis on safe recovery and long-term joint health.

February 2026 - GP Information Night at the Links

We recently hosted a GP Information Night at The Links, organised in conjunction with Baringa Private Hospital and generously sponsored by Maven Surgical. It was a fantastic evening bringing together local GPs to discuss the topic of the painful joint replacement, with a focus on practical assessment, common causes, and management pathways. The night provided a great opportunity for open discussion and strengthening local clinical relationships, all enjoyed alongside a wonderful three-course meal and open bar. It was an excellent turnout and a valuable step in continuing to build collaborative, patient-centred care within the Coffs Harbour community.

February 2026 - Hoys Physiotherapy Breakfast

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Hoys Physiotherapy team breakfast, which was a fantastic chance to meet and connect with their entire team and strengthen our local working relationships. It was also valuable to take part in an education session delivered by the team at Shine Lawyers, focusing on the intricacies of WorkCover and CTP insurance. The session provided practical insights into navigating these systems and reinforced the importance of clear communication and collaboration between clinicians, allied health providers, and legal teams to achieve the best outcomes for patients.

February 2026 - Presentation to the The Physio Movement team at Woolgoolga

I recently had the opportunity to present to the team at The Physio Movement in Woolgoolga, delivering an education session focused on orthopaedics and the importance of not being afraid to appropriately load joints during rehabilitation. The session centred on challenging common misconceptions around joint protection, highlighting the role of progressive loading in promoting recovery, improving function, and building long-term resilience. It also provided a chance to share insights from my background in powerlifting, particularly around safe loading principles and building strength through controlled progression. The presentation was very well received by the team, who left feeling re-energised and excited, and we’ve since made plans to continue collaborating closely going forward to optimise patient care.

Community engagement