Fabric supports and some abdominal / spinal supports incur a prescriptioncharge which must be paid before an item is supplied. Information about the charges and the exception criteria are available from the Department of Health website:

• Download NHS Form WF1 - Supply of wigs and fabric supports to NHS hospital outpatients 

Compression hosiery is no longer provided by the orthotics department; please seek guidance from your GP if you require this.

Please let us know if you do not have to pay prescription charges. You will have to provide proof that you are exempt from paying.

Specific provision / entitlements

• Download the Patient Entitlements for Orthoses Flyer

Footwear Adaptations
In most cases patients are entitled to two footwear adaptations, i.e. shoe raises, rocker soles etc., each financial year.  Anything beyond this will need to be funded privately and you can contact the department regarding this. 

For repeat adaptations, please post or drop your shoes into the department. Please ensure you label your footwear with your name and patient number.

Information is available from the department on suitable footwear should you require it.

Footwear
Adult patients will be provided with two pairs of shoes/boots.  This will ensure the patient always has one pair to wear whilst another is being repaired.  Once a pair is beyond repair, this will need to be confirmed by an Orthotist, a new pair will be provided to ensure the patient always has two pairs.

Child patients that require footwear will be provided one pair of shoes/boots due to growth, unless otherwise determined due to clinical need.

Insoles / Functional Foot Orthoses (FFOs)
In most cases patients are provided with one pair of insoles or functional foot orthoses (FFOs).  A second pair can be purchased privately and you can contact the department regarding this.  In some cases due to clinical need a second pair will be provided.

Other
With regards to all other orthotic devices, e.g. Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs), spinal braces, collars, in most cases a patient will be provided with one device/one pair, which can be repaired as necessary.  In some cases, due to clinical need, a spare may be provided, the Orthotist will be able to advise on this.

Repairs to Orthoses
Please keep your orthoses in good repair.  If the orthosis you have been provided with breaks or becomes worn please contact the department regarding its repair.  For example, if you have received footwear you can drop or post them into the department to be re-soled as necessary, or to have a hook and loop fastening replaced on splints or new covers on functional foot orthoses/insoles.  If it is to refurbish an AFO or insole that was made by our workshop, some repairs can be done on the day, while you wait; to do this you would need to organise a time with our workshop. This can be done via the orthotics department.  Please ensure you label your devices with your name and patient number when dropping them off.  We will contact you when they are ready for collection.  Unfortunately, except  in exceptional circumstances, we are no longer able to send orthoses in the post to patients.

• Download the Orthoses Repairs Flyer

We keep a small number of orthoses in stock which may be provided at your initial appointment. Other items may have to be specially ordered or made for you. These items will be provided at a follow up appointment. The Orthotist will discuss this with you.

If the orthosis needs to be ordered then a second appointment will be made before you leave. You may need appointments to help you learn how to take the orthosis on and off. You may need further appointments to ensure that the orthosis fits and functions correctly.