Orthotics and prosthetics

We accept referrals from inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, GPs, private specialists and other health professionals.

Referrals for patients living outside of the CALHN catchment are only considered if made by a CALHN clinician or specialist involved in the patient’s care.

OR

We do not accept outpatient referrals from GPs or medical practitioners. Our services are only accessible via an inpatient referral.

Speak to your treating medical team in the hospital about a referral to our service. 

We deliver patient centred treatment, in both outpatient and inpatient settings. We play a crucial role in the treatment of inpatients, assisting in early stabilisation and mobilisation of these patients. 

Orthotics

An orthosis is an externally applied device used to modify the structural or functional characteristics of the neuro-muscular and skeletal systems. An orthosis is the true term for a brace or appliance that is designed and fitted external to the body in order to control or alter bio-mechanical alignment, protect and support a healing injury, assist rehabilitation, reduce pain, increase mobility and/or increase independence.

Prosthetics

A prosthesis is an artificial device attached or applied to the body to replace a missing part (such as an arm or leg following amputation).

Services

• Acute prosthetic rehabilitation – including pre-surgery consultation, immediate post-operative care and peer support
• Interim prosthetic program – provides new amputees with fitting of their first prosthetic limb, walking training and education as either an inpatient or as an outpatient attending day rehabilitation. This service is delivered in a multi-disciplinary environment alongside other health professionals
• Definitive prosthetic program – our program delivers lifelong prosthetic services for amputees living in the community with rapid access to other allied health, medical and nursing disciplines as required
• Amputee clinic – the amputee clinic is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. This clinic provides prosthetic and medical review for amputees to ensure their prosthesis is working well and enabling early identification of any adjustments or maintenance that may be required
• Orthotic outpatient services – provides orthotic management for people living in the community, including assessment and the provision of a device for the management of trauma and injury, diabetic foot conditions, burns and other neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

We are committed to a high quality service through ongoing staff development, appraisal, teaching, clinical research and adherence to evidence based practice.

While many services are provided at both sites, patients may be directed to a particular site for management of specific conditions. Your clinic letter will let you know which hospital and location to attend for your appointment.

Our services are also available through:

• Royal Adelaide Hospital
• The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
• Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre
• Day Rehabilitation Service at TQEH
• Statewide services at Repat Health Precinct– SA Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service and SA Spinal Cord Injury Service.

Outreach services are also provided to the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN).

Allied health services accept GP, private specialists, allied health and other health professional referrals.

A written referral is required prior to an appointment being issued. E-referrals, emails or fax preferred. 

Referrals should include:

• patient details - address, date of birth, contact phone number, medicare number, pension card
• reason for referral
• relevant clinical history of the patient
• list of current medications
• current treatment regimen
• recent relevant test results – x-ray, pathology, etc
• referrer's name and contact details.

• Sarah Wilson - Director