Intro

Orthotics Image.pngThe orthotics team provides in-patient and out-patient orthotics services within George Eliot Hospital and the surrounding area.

We currently accept referrals from therapists and consultants within the trust.


Orthotists are registered allied health professionals who assess, measure and fit supportive devices (orthoses) to patients. Examples include insoles, footwear, braces or splints. They act to support the body to aid balance and mobility, reduce pain, prevent injury or tissue breakdown, or reduce contracture risk.

Orthotists’ expertise is in gait analysis, biomechanics and support. We work as both autonomous practitioners and as part of teams to provide solutions aid rehabilitation and recovery.

Clinicians:

Daniel Hodgkin
Sajjad Hassan

 

BAPO (British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics)
https://www.bapo.com/

HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council)
https://www.hcpc-uk.org/

Physiotherapy services at George Eliot Hospital

Guide for referring professionals

We offer appointments within our outpatient orthotics service at George Eliot Hospital from 08:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday.

Referrals can come from medical professionals and AHPs. We do not accept self-referrals, or referrals from GPs currently.

Referrals are made to the Orthotic Service on the Clinical Portal referral form and should include all details as requested.  The information will assist the orthotist in the assessment of the patient and in the decision of the most appropriate orthoses for the patients need.  Please be aware that this may be different to that suggested by the clinician or visualised by the patient.

We will see patients for:

  • Symptomatic lower limb musculoskeletal problems or injuries
  • Leg length discrepancies
  • Osteoarthritis affecting function and mobility
  • Inflammatory arthritis affecting the lower limbs
  • Balance or falls concerns
  • Developmental motor delay
  • Neurodevelopmental or acquired neuromuscular disorders
  • Vascular complications such as lower limb oedema
  • Diabetic foot deformities for longer term management
  • Post operative or post trauma care
  • Balance or coordination disorders affecting mobility
  • Management of contracture development
  • Spinal supports for chronic or acute spinal issues (complex scoliosis bracing should be referred to a specialist spinal service such as UHCW or ROH Birmingham)

We will reject referrals for:

  • Silicone cushioning or silicone heel pads
  • Simple wrist splints such as futura braces
  • Epicondylitis (‘tennis elbow’) clasps
  • Simple knee sleeves
  • Toe spacers or protectors
  • Lesser toe problems or curly toes
  • Asymptomatic flat feet without any impact on mobility

For these items, patients should be signposted to chemists or other stock suppliers, or to podiatry.

Orthoses will not be supplied where:

  • There is no specific clinical or biomechanical need
  • The orthosis is being supplied as a placebo
  • The need is for sporting requirements only

We will also return referrals if they have incomplete or insufficient information.

Orthotic services throughout the West Midlands:

University Hospitals Coventry

024 7696 6035

· UHCW Coventry

· Rugby St. Cross Hospital

South Warwickshire Foundation Trust

01926 600818 Option 4 then Option 2

orthotics@swft.nhs.uk

· Warwick Hospital

· Stratford upon Avon

· Shipston on Stour

 

Leicester Specialist Mobility Centre

0116 296 8400

opcare.leicester@nhs.net

· Leicester

· Hinckley

· Loughborough

· Melton Mowbray

University Hospitals Birmingham

0121 424 2273

· Heartlands Hospital – East Birmingham

· Good Hope Hospital – Sutton Coldfield

· Solihull Hospital

· Queen Elizabeth Hospital

  Derby & Derbyshire Orthotic Service

01332 369400

· Derwent Valley Medical Centre, Derby

West Birmingham and Sandwell

0121 507 4358

· City Hospital – Handsworth, Smethwick

· Sandwell Hospital – West Bromwich

Royal Orthopaedic Hospital

0121 685 4120 x 55320/55752

· Northfield – South Birmingham

 

Birmingham Children’s Hospital
0121 333 9480

· Complex paediatric care across the West Midlands

Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals

01902 694082 x 3633

· New Cross Hospital

· Cannock Chase Hospital

 

Dudley Group

01384 244107

· Russell’s Hall Hospital, Dudley

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals

01926 608098

· Alexandra Hospital – Redditch/Bromsgrove

· Kidderminster Hospital

· Worcestershire Royal Hospital – Worcester