What might happen at your first appointment?
Assessment - the orthotist will examine you and assess what the best treatment option is for you. You may need to undress for the assessment and measurement or plaster moulds may be take. Please wear loose clothing and avoid wearing tights.
If you wish, you may bring a relative or friend into the appointment with you.
A small range of orthoses are kept at the hospital. We may give you one of these at your first appointment.
Most orthoses have to be ordered or made specifically for you. We order the orthosis you need from different companies which can take some time to come back.
What happens after the appointment?
Fitting - when your orthosis is ready, it will be sent back to the orthotic department and you will be asked to come in for a fitting appointment. Due to the long waiting list this may take an additional two weeks, on top of the time it takes for the orthosis to arrive, for you to be seen.
A made-to-measure orthosis can take up to four weeks to be made. Footwear takes six to eight weeks to be manufactured and will be sent back partially completed for you to try them on to make sure they fit. They are then sent to the factory to be finished which takes three to four weeks.
The orthotist will check that the orthosis fits you properly. Adjustments may be needed and if this is the case, the orthotic device / footwear will be sent back.
Supply - when the orthosis has been completed you may be provided with this at your fitting appointment. If this is not possible you will need a supply appointment where your orthosis will be given to you and the orthotist will show you how to use it and look after it.
Reviews - patients are reviewed on request if they have any problems with their orthosis. We aim to try and get you in as quickly as possible, though high risk patients take priority.
Please note: If a patient requires a new orthosis a new referral must be sent from the GP, consultant or allied health professional.
Repairs - all repairs to footwear are carried out free of charge to the patient and it is their responsibility to ensure all footwear is kept in a reasonable state of repair. There are no limits to the amount of repairs carried out in a 12 month period. Any shoes bought privately will be charged. Other orthosis can be brought in for refurbishment.
Orthotic allowances
Provisions of orthoses are limited to each patient as follows:
- Adult footwear - two functional pairs - a second pair will only be issued after an eight week trial period has been completed.
- Adapted footwear or raises (adults and paediatrics) - three only in the first year with two further adaptions in any 12 month period thereafter.
- Paediatric footwear and piedros - one pair due to rapid growth of wearers.
- Adult insoles - one pair
- Paediatric insoles - one pair, but as required due to growth.
- Ankle foot orthosis (AFOs) - one only
- Knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFOs) - two (These MUST be serviced every six months)
- Knee braces - one only
- Corsets / abdominal supports / truss - two (one for wearing and one for washing)
- Stockings - one pair, and then discharge to GP care
- All other orthoses – one only or a pair if required
Please note if you require specific made to measure items these are chargeable unless you are medically exempt and can demonstrate this to your orthotist at your first appointment.
