Appliances Department RCHT

This is an ordering service only for products that do not require assessment or fitting, The following products are supplied by the Appliance Department:

• ‘Off the Shelf’ splints/ braces-  either from stock or by special order
• Protective Helmets
• Off the shelf’ Children’s footwear

Appliance department request form accepted electronically / paper

 

If a patient requires ‘Off the shelf’ braces that need measurement and fitting, a referral can be made to the Occupational Therapy Splinting and Bracing Team via ERS

 

The following items will NOT be provided by the Appliance Department:

• Bespoke appliances e.g. footwear, insoles, calipers  hernia belts - referral should be made to Cornwall Orthotics Service cornwallorthotics@nhs.net
• Hosiery – bespoke garments are supplied for RCHT Lymphoedema team only
• SAFOs (Silicone Ankle Foot Orthoses)
• Lycra compression garments for neurological sensory feedback.
• Sports braces – where braces are for leisure and not required for essential activities of daily living. An exception may be granted for sports use only if the patient is professionally and permanently employed in sport and this employment can be considered the main income.
• Items for tissue viability/pressure relief should be provided by the wards for in-patients, and by community nurses for patients in the community.
• Therapy or nursing equipment and other sundries , e.g. ‘dycem’, disability aids, mobility aids, scissors, T-Roll positioning rolls, fixation belts for tilt tables, hip-protectors.
• Trusses, ferrules or mobility aids.

 

Prescribers are asked to consider the following as a guide:

• The supply of products that are readily available in retail outlets and do not require special measuring, adjustment or fitting, e.g., ‘isotoner’ gloves, simple foot orthotics (toe spacers, toe sleeves, corn pads), knee sleeves.
• ‘Spare’ braces should not be issued if the patient is undergoing treatment for an acute, self-limiting condition.
• For long term conditions ‘Spare’ braces should be supplied only if there is a genuine need e.g. regular work use.
• All other patients requesting ‘spare’ braces should self-purchase. Therapists can provide a list of recommended suppliers.
• ‘Even-up’ limb levellers when there is a realistic prospect that small differences in leg length can be overcome by the use of appropriate footwear (short term) or a heel raise (longer term).

See full guideline for further information 

 

Date reviewed                     8/2/2022

Next review due                  8/2/2023

Sifter name                          Dr Rebecca Hopkins