Orthotics - The Orthotic Service

Introduction

This leaflet is for people who have been referred to the Orthotics service.

It will explain what will happen when you come for your first appointment. We hope you find this information useful.

If you require further information prior to your appointment, or you are unable to attend, please telephone the Orthotics department where the appointment has been made as soon as possible:

Bury, Rochdale or Oldham: 0161 778 2670
Email: nca.orthotics@nca.nhs.uk

Salford: 0161 206 4912
Email: salford.orthotics@nca.nhs.uk

For further information about our service, please visit:

www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/our-services/orthotics

Our sites are open for collection and dropping off devices:

Bury: Tuesdays only (closed 12 - 1pm for lunch)
Rochdale: Thursdays only (closed 12 - 1pm for lunch)
Oldham: Mondays only (closed 12 - 1pm for lunch)
Salford: Monday - Friday (closed 12 - 1pm for lunch)

What is the Orthotics service and why have I been referred?

Orthotics is a service that provides devices called Orthoses. These are given to help to prevent or correct deformity and/or improve function. This can be because of something you are born with, as a result of injury or due to the way our bodies alter as we get older.

Most Orthoses fall into one of the following groups:

• Shoes and insoles
• Calipers and splints
• Knee braces
• Back supports
• Wrist braces
• Support hosiery
• Collars
• Hip braces
• Arm braces
• Protective helmets

What happens at my first appointment?

You will be seen by an Orthotist; a specialist trained to assess and measure for all types of Orthoses. They will review the information provided by your referrer, usually your hospital consultant or your GP, and use it to determine what kind of orthosis will best suit your individual needs.

During your appointment, the Orthotist may need to examine the affected area properly, which could involve removing some clothing. The Orthotist may be male or female. If you feel more comfortable having someone with you, you are welcome to bring a friend or family member to the appointment.

You can also request to be seen by an orthotist of the same gender as you if you would prefer. Please contact us prior to your appointment and this can be arranged.

Appointment times can vary, as it is not always possible to know in advance how long each patient will need. Occasionally, unexpected delays may occur. We aim to keep waiting times as short as possible and will explain any delays, but we kindly ask for your patience if this happens.

Will I need to bring anything with me?

If you have been given any Orthoses in the past, please bring them with you. Failure to do so may result in a delay in your new Orthosis being provided.

If you are attending for a lower limb assessment, it is often easiest if you bring shorts with you for ease of assessment.

Will I have to come back for further appointments?

Some Orthoses can be provided on the day, and others need to be specially made or ordered for you. You will be told about this at your appointment.

If necessary, you will receive a further appointment in order to be fitted with your Orthosis. If needed, you will also receive a review appointment to make sure everything is all right with the orthosis.

Will I have to pay?

Some Orthoses, for example wigs, fabric supports and stockings will incur an Orthosis prescription charge, just like medicines prescribed by your GP. If you are exempt from prescription charges, please bring the proof with you to your appointment.

Failure to do so could result in a delay in your new Orthosis being provided.

What am I entitled to?

If the Orthotist decides that you may benefit from an Orthosis the information below outlines what you are entitled to:
Type of orthosis

Footwear

While every effort is made to supply footwear that is commercially acceptable, this is not fashionable footwear and must always be suitable for the patient's foot shape and condition and meet the needs.

Entitlement:

• Adults - A maximum of two pairs of boots or shoes
• Children - One pair of boots or shoes due to the rate at which children grow

We do not replace shoes and boots every year. They will only be replaced when it is no longer economical to repair them, for growth reasons or if the orthotist decides they are no longer suitable for your condition.

Adaptation of footwear

Patients will provide their own footwear for the following:

• Addition of raises to compensate for a difference in leg length
• Flaring out or wedging of heels to correct foot posture
• Sockets and t-straps for calipers

Entitlement:

• Adults - A maximum of 3 pairs of shoes initially and then up to 2 pairs a year thereafter, which must be kept in good condition. If more are requested, you will be asked to pay for them.
• Children - One pair (due to the rate at which they grow)

Insoles - Adults: One pair, Children: One pair
Calipers - One caliper or a pair if both legs are affected
Splints - One splint or a pair if both legs are affected
Knee braces - One knee brace or a pair if both knees are affected
Wrist Supports - One wrist support or a pair if both wrists are affected
Collars - One soft collar
Fabric Supports - One fabric support
Elastic Hosiery - Two pairs of elastic stockings or tights
Wigs - One stock wig will be provided for short-term hair loss. Two stock wigs will be provided for long-term hair loss

Car Parking

Pay and Display car parking facilities are available in the hospital grounds. Please note that illegally parked vehicles may be clamped. Designated disabled parking spaces are also provided.

Our car parks can become very busy, so please allow extra time to find a suitable parking space before your appointment.

Ambulance Transport

Should you require an ambulance to bring you to the appointment please be aware that you will need to book this yourself. The Booking Centre will be able to provide further information.

It is Trust Policy that relatives and friends cannot interpret for patients, and a Trust interpreter must be used. Should you require an interpreter please contact the Central Interpretation Booking Office on 0161 627 8770 in advance of your appointment.

Deaf patient bookings:

Email: interpretation@nca.nhs.uk
Typetalk: 0161 656 1917
Text: 07966003540