We are listening – Orthotics

Robbie,

The Orthotics Service works closely with other health professions to ensure that each patient receives person-centred care as agreed in their treatment plan. We provide measuring and fitting services so that patients receive bespoke items such as footwear and insoles, joint and lumbar supports, compression hosiery and wigs. Our specialist staff support services such as paediatrics, stroke, orthopaedic and diabetes.

As a result of this collaborative working we have created the “Foot and Ankle Service”. Clinical specialists have been brought together so that our patients receive the right care at the right time, from the right staff.

Whilst you told us this change was positive, you also told us that the clinic location at Monklands Hospital wasn’t ideal and you sometimes had to move between different departments during your appointment.

The Management Team at Monklands Hospital reviewed the location of the department and agreed that relocating next to the Physiotherapy department would ensure patients had access to all the necessary staff in one department.

 We anticipate this change will improve collaborative working between different staff groups resulting in improved patient care and support as well as improving patient experience. The Orthotics department will be moving next to the Physiotherapy department during July 2016.

A new addition to our service is the Non Learning Disability Adult Neurological Virtual clinic. This clinic takes the form of a conference call each month and allows the Orthotics department to come together with other health professions to discuss cases and agree on treatment pathways. This is still fairly new but the initial feedback has been very positive and we look forward to the collaborative approach it will bring.

We regularly have trainee Orthotists working with us. We will always let you know when students are present and ask you if you are willing for them to learn during your assessment, fitting and review. This approach to learning has resulted in all students achieving their professional qualification following a placement at Monklands Hospital.

We meet as a team every month to reflect on our activities and any feedback received from our patients to learn how we might improve or make changes; so if you have an experience of Orthotic Services you would like to share, please speak to a member of staff, respond on Patient Opinion, or visit the “Your Feedback” Section of the NHS Lanarkshire website to see the other ways to get in touch www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk