Orthotics

• Location: Othopaedic Outpatients, Ground Floor, Great Western Hospital 
• Phone: 01793 605089

Wednesday 

Orthotics: 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm (appointment only).

Tuesday and Thursday

Device collection and drop-off service, 9am to 12.30pm.

Drop-in session, no appointment necessary.

Collection and drop-off only, no clinical advice available.

We would recommend that you ring on the day to confirm there is a member of the team to see you.

Friday

Orthotics: 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm (by appointment only).

• Location: Salt Way Centre, Middleleaze, SN5 5TD
• Phone: 01793 464246

Second and fourth Wednesday of each month

• 8.30am to 9.30pm (emergency appointments only)
• 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 4.30pm (children only, by appointment)

At the initial appointment, the Orthotist assesses you, discusses your condition and decides on the most appropriate device.

Simple devices may be prescribed at the first appointment or measurements may be taken, if a device has to be tailor made.

If necessary, follow-up appointments may be booked to fit or review the prescribed device(s).

If you are expecting an orthosis for your feet, it is advisable to wear comfortable, well fitting shoes, for example, low heel, lace up.

If you think that your own shoes will need adapting (e.g. raised), please bring a spare pair with you as they will be sent away.

If the orthosis is for your leg, please wear loose clothing that can be rolled well above the knee so that you will not have to get undressed.

If you are coming back for review please bring your orthosis with you, we are unable to review or replace without your previous orthosis being brought with you to the clinic appointment.

Contact us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend your appointment.

The department has a voicemail messaging system, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Failure to advise us you will be unable to attend will results in you being discharged back to your referring health care professional.

You will need a new referral in order to regain access to the service.

Cancellations

Please call the department as soon as possible.

Following notification of a cancellation, you will be offered one alternative appointment.

If you fail to attend without notice, you will not be offered another appointment and will need to be re-referred to the service.

Late arrivals

If you are late for your appointment, this may result in your appointment being cancelled.

You would need a new referral:

• If any new surgery is undertaken
• If there are any changes to your condition
• If you have recently moved to the area
• For all replacement/repairs

Following supply and fitting of a device, the Orthotist will decide whether you need to be followed up in clinic or given an open review.

This will be discussed with patients on an individual basis and further appointments booked as necessary.

Please contact us as soon as possible to request a review appointment.

If you are happy with the support and there is no change in your condition and just wishing to replace the orthotic, please contact your GP for a referral requesting a repeat prescription.

Please note that the Trust operates guidelines on the issue of orthotic devices.

You will be informed of these guidelines when you make your request and only requests that are within the guidelines will be approved.

Some items are subject to prescription charges.

These currently include lumbar/abdominal supports and all wigs.

The prescription charges vary and the team will advise you of the exact cost.

Some patients may be exempt from prescription charges.

Strict criteria apply and patients will be required to show proof of their exemption.

Please speak to the team if you believe you are exempt from prescription charges.

Although some items have mandatory prescription charges, the hospital welcomes donations of any size towards the cost of orthoses.

If you wish to make a donation, please contact us.

Please contact your GP for a new referral if it is longer than 12 months since contacting the department.