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), Swanage Hospital and Yeatman Hospital (Sherborne). We also provide input for spinal patients on the wards at Poole Hospital.

If you do need to visit one of our sites for an outpatient appointment, you will be directed to nearest operating clinic or clinic of your choosing. Please be aware that we do not offer domiciliary/home visits.

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, our team will contact you by telephone for a consultation. We will ask you some specific questions to diagnose and assess your condition.

After a telephone assessment, if required, a face-to-face appointment will be made for you.

Please note, the Orthotics Service does not provide domiciliary (home) visits.

Patients are required to attend scheduled appointments at one of our outpatient department clinics. Hospital transport is available for those patients eligible. We offer video appointments as an alternative for patients when clinically appropriate, in collaboration with another healthcare professional involved in the patients care.

Follow-up appointments

Many of our patients with long term conditions, do not need regular follow up appointments with our orthotist. Instead, some patients are offered 'patient initiated follow up' appointments (PIFU). This is where you arrange a follow-up appointment as and when you need it. 

Your referral will be left open with the service for two years after your last appointment date, after this time you may need a new referral from your GP or health care profession to access the service.

The orthotist responsible for your care will tell you what symptoms or complications after treatment to look out for, that would mean you should make an appointment. They will also provide you with the information you need on how to contact the service.