Information for health professionals

This section provides clinical information for GPs and other healthcare professionals. 

Referrals are received in the Orthotic Department from both inpatient and outpatients clinics. On receipt of all referrals they are triaged and then allocated to a clinic. Any referrals that are not appropriate are discussed with the referrer..

Upon referral the Orthotics Department will fully assess and provide the required orthoses to stabilise the patient’s condition in line with the treatment pathway - the agreed local access tariff will apply. Once stable the patient will be discharged by the service back to the GP with guidance for the ongoing management of the patient. Any replacement of prescribed orthoses should be referred back to the service by the GP using the Direct Access Pathway.

The Orthotic Department provides advice and intervention relating to the following appliances:

• Soft collar x 1
• Zimmer collar x 1
• Velcro wrist splints x 1/pair
• Epicondylar clamps x 1
• Lumbar sacral support x 1
• Dorsi Lumbar support x 1
• Knee supports x 1
• Aircast ankle splints  x 1
• Drop foot splints x 1
• Orthopeadic shoes x 2
• Post-operative shoes x 1
• Insoles – Valgus type, metatarsal and/or combined x1

For any specialised orthoses, referrals are required from consultants.

Please note if a patient requires new items due to being unrepairable, a new referral is required

Last updated: Monday 16 September 2024