Orthotics Service

COVID-19 service update: initial consultations for people with urgent/high priority needs will take place via phone or video call. 

Appointments will be face-to-face, if required.

We are offering a delivery/collection service for orders and repairs across the county.

Our community orthotic service provides a range of orthoses (artificial aids that support/correct unstable and/or painful joints) including:

• footwear
• insoles
• ankle foot orthoses
• knee braces
• spinal braces/supports
• custom-made orthoses.

The service treats patients of all ages, ranging from those with a temporary need, to those with a long-term need for orthotic intervention. Some people with chronic conditions such as stroke, polio or high-risk diabetes, may need a service from the orthotics service throughout their life.

We run clinics at Blandford Hospital, Bridport Hospital, Maple Place (Poole), Portland Hospital, Swanage Hospital, Yeatman Hospital and Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools throughout the community. We also provide input to wards at Poole Hospital.

Contact Information

Orthotics Department
Maple Place
St. Marys Road
Poole
BH15 2LG
01202 44 22 98
dhc.orthotics.service@nhs.net

Referral process

Please note, orthotics is not a self-referral service.

General practitioners (GPs) refer patients directly to the orthotic service for assessment and treatment. Referrals are also accepted from community musculoskeletal services (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists and community nursing/midwifery) on behalf of a patient’s GP.

Patients referred by a consultant, and new to the orthotics service, will receive one treatment per condition within one six-month period. Patients cannot be referred to the orthotic service whilst attending the hospital and are seen as follow-up patients.

Referrals will be triaged by an appropriate member of the orthotics team and may be returned to the referrer if:

• Inadequate information is provided
• It is felt that a different service would be more appropriate for you.

You may be directed to high street suppliers for devices such as shoes and orthotic insoles.

Once a referral is accepted, one of our orthotic department administrators will be in contact to book an assessment appointment at a mutually agreeable time.