What does the Orthotic Department do?
The Orthotic Department provides a wide range of devices called Orthoses for all parts of the body. An Orthosis is an external device used to support, align, reduce or correct deformities.
Who will I see at my appointment?
You will see a qualified Orthotist, who will assess you and decide if an Orthosis is an appropriate treatment option for you.
What might happen at the appointment?
The Orthotist will need to examine you. You may be required to remove some items of clothing for the assessment. After your examination, the Orthotist will discuss treatment options with you. At times we may give you another appointment as the Orthotist may need to complete a further assessment.
We do keep a small stock of items in our department. Your Orthotist may give you one of these at your first appointment. If the orthosis has to be ordered for you, a fitting or supply appointment will be arranged for you to come back and try the Orthosis.
What do I need to bring to the appointment?
If the Orthosis is for your legs, we advise you to bring with you a pair of comfortable shoes. This is so we can look at your wear pattern. We may also have to keep these for adaptions.
We also advise wearing loose fitting trousers or shorts so that a thorough assessment can be completed of your lower legs.
If you already have a device from us (even if you do not use it), please bring this with you as this may help the Orthotist to decide on the best treatment options.
What happens after my appointment?
If the Orthotist has ordered something for you, you will either return to the department to try the device or collect the device to try at home.
After you get your Orthotic device, you may be offered a review appointment to discuss your progress and any concerns or issues you have. If you have problems before this appointment please contact the department for further advice.
Cancelling appointments
Cancelling your appointment without reasonable notice or cancelling several times may result in you being referred back to the care of your GP. Please note that a failure to attend or cancelling at short notice results in a cost to the NHS of £160.
Failure to attend appointments
Failure to attend appointments without prior notice accounts for a large proportion of wasted clinical time which increases our waiting list. If you fail to attend two consecutive appointments, we will discharge you back to the referrer. If you are discharged and still wish to be seen, then you will need to contact the referrer to refer you back to our care.