The Prosthetics Team at the Disablement Services Centre supplies and maintains prostheses (artificial limbs) for patients with all levels of amputation or limb absence from birth.
Prosthetic treatment
New patients are fully assessed by a team with a range of skills, which includes:
- an ‘extended scope’ physiotherapist (for lower limbs)
- an occupational therapist (for upper limbs)
- a centre nurse
- a prosthetist.
Patients have a named prosthetist who will be responsible for their future treatment. Sometimes a patient may have to see a different prosthetist if their own isn’t available, but we always try to keep your care consistent where possible.
Assessment
At the initial assessment, the prosthetist is involved in creating the patient’s treatment plan. They will discuss options for the prosthetics ‘prescription’ with the patient and the team.
The prosthetist will make sure that the artifical limb is suitable by carrying out ‘shape capture’ using Plaster of Paris, computer-aided design or often a combination of both. The prosthesis will then be fitted by the prosthetist at the patient’s next appointment.
Review
Once the prosthesis has been delivered, the patient will be regularly reviewed by the team during their first year of wearing the limb.
Repairs and adjustments
Patients can contact the centre’s reception for further appointments for repairs or adjustments to the limb. There is also an answer phone service to request supplies of stump socks or suspension sleeves.
If a purely mechanical repair is required, you can see one of the clinical support technicians (CST) – this way, repairs are usually carried out sooner.
Socket adjustments or changes to alignment can only be carried out by a prosthetist and require a separate appointment.
If a major breakage occurs in the limb, patients can come to the centre for an emergency repair. Please contact us before coming for an emergency appointment so we can let you know the best time to arrive.
You will either be seen by the designated duty prosthetist or one of the CSTs.
We recommend that all patients should come for yearly mechanical checks to avoid the need for emergency visits.
The team
The Prosthetics Team includes:
- Prosthetists who you will see in clinic
- Technicians who make and repair limbs in the workshop.
The prosthetists and technicians are employed by a private prosthetic company which provides services to NHS patients in the area.
Advice
Our prosthetists are always happy to discuss different options with patients.
They can also refer you to physiotherapy and occupational therapy services if needed.
Contact us
For more information, please contact us:
Telephone: 0191 2231184
