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We offer outpatient clinics at Wexham Park Hospital and Fleet Community Hospital.
Appointment Guidelines
New Patient Referrals
Referrals are accepted from:
- Hospital consultant, allied health professionals, specialist team, or GPs
Return Patients
- You will need a new referral every year, or when an orthotic item needs to be replaced.
Return patients will be offered an appointment providing:
- If discharged, you are in an active PIFU period (Patient Initiated Follow Up Period, usually 3-6 months after you have been provided with your orthotic device)
- You have an active referral from a GP or consultant within the last year.
- You meet the referral criteria for the Orthotics Service
For contact details and drop off/collection information, please see page 3 of this leaflet.
The Orthotics Devices Provision (Patient Entitlement)
Below is a list of orthotic devices issued by the Orthotics department and an indication to the frequency that these may be changed.
| Footwear Adult | Patient to have two pairs of well fitting footwear (to be supplied one at a time), which will be repaired as necessary. Footwear will be replaced when they are beyond the point of repair. |
| Footwear Paediatric | 1 pair of footwear replaced as necessary. |
| Footwear Repairs | Footwear to be repaired as necessary. The patient (or their parent/guardian/ carer) to contact the clinic to arrange repairs and collect repaired footwear. |
| Footwear Adaptations/Raises | Patients will need to provide their own footwear. Two footwear adaptations in the first year, followed by one footwear adaptation per year in following years. |
| Insoles Adults | 1 pair of insoles will be provided per annum |
| Insoles Paediatric | 1 pair of insoles will be provided and replaced as growth determines |
| Splints/AFOs Adult and Paediatric | 1 (or 1 pair) splints/AFOs will be provided, and can be repaired as necessary. Will be replaced when they are beyond the point of repair. Patients must contact the department if their appliance needs repair or replacement. |
| Knee Braces Adult and Paediatrics | 1 knee brace or pair of braces are fitted and supplied at any one time. Long-term users will need a new referral to be supplied with a replacement brace when their current brace is beyond economical repair |
| Wrist Supports | Patients will be provided with 1 (or bilateral if required) |
| Fabric Supports* | 1 fabric supports will be fitted and supplied. Hernia patients will be provided with 2 for hygiene reasons. |
| Spinal Supports* | 1 plastic spinal orthosis will be fitted and supplied. |
| Elastic Hosiery * | 2 x pairs will be supplied. Patients will be provided a copy of the product ordered upon supply of their compression garments. If additional garments are required, patients must contact their GP for a prescription whereby they can obtain additional garments from their chemist/pharmacist. |
| Wigs* | Patients are entitled to spend up to £150 per wig for two wigs per year, or combine their allowance to spend up to £300 for one wig. Any costs over their allowance, the patient must pay the difference. Note human hair wigs are not normally prescribed, unless prescription is supported by a letter from Dermatology |
| Collars and Helmets | 1 will be supplied. Replacement for paediatric will be as growth determines, for adults, it will be upon a new referral. For patients with a long term need, 2 can be provided on approval from manager. |
*Items may incur a prescription charge.
Please note:
Once an item has been supplied, you will be discharged to PIFU (Patient-Initiated Follow-Up) for a period of three months. During this PIFU period, any reviews or adjustments can be made if the item does not meet your clinical needs.
Once the PIFU period has ended, to be seen again, you will need a new referral from a doctor or other relevant healthcare professional.
How to contact us
| Wexham Park Hospital | 0300 615 3505 | fhft. |
| Fleet Community Hospital | 0300 613 0070 | fhft. |
| Admin office open times | Monday to Friday | 09:00-12:00 and 13:00-16:00 |
During office hours, the team are also helping with clinics, so your call may go to answerphone. Please leave a message and we will respond as soon as we can.
Drop off / Collection Times
All items dropped off must be clearly labelled with your (the patient’s) name, address, telephone number and either NHS or MRN (hospital) number.
Items can only be collected and dropped off on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 12pm.
Attempting collection or drop off outside of this time is at your own risk.
About this information
Reference:
V/001
Approval date:
20 October 2025
Review date:
20 December 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.