The Orthotics department provides orthoses (splints/braces/supportive devices) to inpatients and outpatients across Northern Health who have acute and/or chronic conditions that require management.
Orthotists are university qualified health professionals with expertise in the assessment and provision of orthotic management.
The Northern Health Orthotics Department consists of orthotist and allied health assistants who are responsible for a clinical assessment and prescription of orthotic management to meet the goals of referrers and clients. An orthosis can be pre-fabricated, customised or custom made.
Orthotists have very close links to the surgical and medical units within the Northern Health network, including areas such as Orthopaedics, Vascular, Surgical, Plastics and Neurology. Our expertise includes areas such as, but not limited to, high risk foot management, fracture and orthopaedic management, and neuromuscular orthotic management.
What to expect from the service?
Orthotists assess the physical and functional limitations of people resulting from disease, illness, trauma and disability. Our orthotic services involve the provision of orthoses to restore function, prevent deterioration, and improve quality of life. This service is provided to both inpatients and outpatients of any age.
We link closely with other Allied Health teams and medical teams within Northern health to achieve optimum patient care.
For other enquiries:
Referrals:
External referrals are accepted for clients who have been managed by our Orthotics team previously and/or for our NDIS service.
All other outpatients are referred from a clinical service within Northern Health.
How to refer: Community Access Service
Referral must include:
- Relevant medical history
- Orthotic request/goals
- Wearing regime of orthosis (if appropriate)
- Weight bearing status of patient (if appropriate)
- NDIS plan (if eligible NDIS participant)
Enquiries:
Alternative service options:
Private providers
Other Hospital providers – Austin, Melbourne, St Vincent’s, Eastern