Patient Appliances or the Orthotics Service provides prescription shoes and insoles, callipers, splints, knee and wrist braces and back and ankle support, to help patients recover from or avoid injury, or better live with lifelong conditions.
There may be other items that are required in addition to the above.
Upon arrival to the department, patients will be assessed by an Orthotist, an Allied Health Professional (AHP) who specialises in analysing a person’s gait to remedy issues with neuro, muscular and skeletal systems.
The Orthotist will decide what device(s) you will need. Some devices can be supplied and fitted there and then; others may need to be ordered in.
If you require footwear, you will have a minimum of two further appointments for sizing and fitting. It may take several months for custom footwear to be supplied.
Some patients may require long term support for their condition(s) and will remain under our care without the need for further referral.
If you are assessed as needing custom footwear, you will be supplied with two pairs.
We will repair footwear when needed and replace if further repairs are not possible.
If your job requires safety footwear, such as boots with metal toe caps, we can also supply this in addition to your two pairs of custom shoes.
Safety footwear will come at a cost, but this should be covered by your employer as a legal obligation. We will send a letter to your employer explaining the process and costs.
More information
Patients can be referred to Patient Appliances by their GP or from departments within the hospital such as Physiotherapy, Orthopaedics or Rheumatology.
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital can transfer patients to our care, as young as 16.
Patients with complex needs will remain at Alder Hey until the age of 18.
-
Aintree University Hospital
Address: Aintree University Hospital
Lower Lane
Fazakerley
Liverpool
L9 7ALFor maps and other information visit our Getting Here page for Aintree University Hospital