Orthotics is the provision of specialist aids and appliances for people with a disability, which aim to reduce the effect of their disability and thereby improve their quality of life. The Hospital's Specialist Aids and Appliances Services provides a range of high quality individually designed, medically approved aids, aimed at significantly improving the quality of life of users and carers.

Who can benefit?

People with a learning disability who either:

Have a musculo-skeletal abnormality eg scoliosis (lateral spinal curvature), limb contractures etc which could benefit from therapeutic and supportive aids
Or
Demonstrate bouts of self-injurious behaviours which may require the use of protective or therapeutic equipment.

Individual Attention

Each aid supplied is individually approved and medically prescribed.

Clients are individually assessed by the Orthotist in collaboration with relevant community and hospital based staff.

All aids are specially designed and made to measure for the client. Casting, fitting and final adjustment procedures are undertaken under the Orthotist's direct supervision.

Research and Development

The unit has a history of innovation in the design of Orthotic devices. It has links with the Physiotherapy Department, University of Ulster in the development of new products. It provides Derby Seats and similar custom moulded supports for the Regional Research and Engineering Department at Musgrave Park Hospital.

Extra Contractual Referrals

The unit receives referrals from the wider learning disability and general medical fields on an extra contractual basis. Contact Mr C Baxter, Tel 028 9446 3333