Initial contact with the Orthotic Service is made for the patient by a Health Care Professional who will send a referral. Once this is received, an appointment to be assessed by one of the team of orthotists will be arranged.
Orthotic clinics are held in the Tayside Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Technology (TORT) Centre, Ninewells, at Perth Royal Infirmary, at Stracathro Hospital and at Arbroath Infirmary. Patients may be invited to an appointment at any one of these locations.
At this appointment, the assigned orthotist will discuss the issues, carry out an assessment and agree with the patient on the most appropriate course of action to take.
The outcome may, if appropriate, be a prescription for an orthosis which is either designed and manufactured to the individual patients' requirements, or is selected from a range of pre-manufactured devices which can be customised to suit. An orthosis may be provided at the initial visit or patients may be called back for a fitting appointment.
The range of orthoses available encompasses a very wide variety of devices, the designs of which are based on sound biomechanical principles and which are manufactured using modern, lightweight and, where possible, cosmetic materials. Fabrication takes place within the department by a team of highly skilled technicians who work closely with the orthotists.
Orthotic Service
The NHS Tayside Orthotic Service provides a clinical service for the assessment, prescription and treatment of conditions affecting the neurological and musculoskeletal systems by provision of orthoses (external devices). Orthoses can support body segments and joints which might otherwise be unstable; can reduce pain; can provide active function to assist weakened muscles; can correct deformity and alignment and/or protect an injured part.
Orthoses, otherwise called braces, supports and splints, can be used to address clinical problems from head to toe. However, the most commonly prescribed orthosis, is a shoe insert, because of the majority of referrals received are for foot problems.
Orthoses, otherwise called braces, supports and splints, can be used to address clinical problems from head to toe. However, the most commonly prescribed orthosis, is a shoe insert, because of the majority of referrals received are for foot problems.
Referral to the service
Aftercare
After successful delivery of a device, patients' needs are reviewed at a follow up appointment. Following this and once the appropriate prescription has been established, existing patients have direct access to the service and can self refer with any issues which relate to their orthosis and/or the condition for which they have been treated.
A new referral from a Health Care Professional is required if a patient wishes to be seen about a new condition.
A new referral from a Health Care Professional is required if a patient wishes to be seen about a new condition.
