Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if my child’s splint is not fitting or is causing a problem?

If your child’s orthotic provision (splint/insoles/boots etc) is causing a red mark on the skin and this disappears within 20 minutes of removing the orthoses then please do not be concerned however this should be monitored. If the red marks last longer than 20 minutes then you should contact the Physiotherapy Team to book an orthotic appointment for a review of the orthotic provision.

If your child’s orthotic provision (splint/insoles/boots etc) are causing a blister on the skin then remove the orthoses to prevent further pressure on the blister and contact the Physiotherapy Team to arrange an orthotic appointment to review the splint.

It is the responsibility of the child’s parents to contact the Physiotherapy Team to arrange orthotic appointments for reviews. If your child’s feet have grown and they require a larger shoe size then it is likely that they will require a review from orthotics for their orthotic provision. If your child has a splint you must regularly check that this is fitting well. If the splint looks too tight around the foot, ankle, or leg or the child’s toes are coming to the end of the splint then you should contact the Physiotherapy Team to book an orthotic review appointment.

To book an orthotic appointment please contact: 01482 458809 or 01482 336774.

 

How do I make an orthotic appointment?

To book an orthotic appointment please contact: 01482 458809 or 01482 336774.

 

Who do I contact if I have missed an appointment?

Please contact the Physiotherapy Team on: 01482 458809 or 01482 336774 as soon as possible to inform a member of the team of the missed appointment.

As per protocol the Children’s Physiotherapy Team’s will discharge your child back to the referrer/GP if you as carers have not contacted the team to arrange an initial appointment or have not attended a scheduled appointment and have not contacted the team within two weeks following this missed appointment. Following this, if your child still requires physiotherapy intervention then they will require a re-referral to the service.

 

My child has been discharged, how do I get a re-referral back to physiotherapy?

If you are concerned about your child and feel they may need a referral to physiotherapy then please seek advice from your GP or an appropriate health professional who may be involved with your child’s care.

 

My child has been referred to physiotherapy, what happens now?

If your child meets the Children’s Physiotherapy Referral criteria then a booking letter will be sent out for you to contact the team to arrange an initial triage appointment with a physiotherapist. Please refer to the “Clinics and Assessments” section in the main part of the home page for more information.

 

How do I contact wheelchair services?

If you have a concern regarding your child’s wheelchair or specialist buggy please contact: 0344 893 6375.

 

What is “Open Access”?

Open access is for those children who do not require active support/input from a member of the physiotherapy team. However you, other health professionals involved, or the child’s school/nursery can contact the physiotherapy team at any time with any new concerns or changes. Your physiotherapist will identify a length of time that you will be on the open access list for. If you do not contact within this period of time, the physiotherapy team will assume there are no new concerns and will discharge your child from the service. Should any future concerns arise following your child being discharged you will require a re-referral to the physiotherapy team from your GP or appropriate healthcare professional.

Open access may be appropriate for your child for the following reasons:

When your child’s physiotherapy goals have been achieved.

When your child has made appropriate progress for their stage of development.

While you are awaiting surgery.

If there is poor attendance or participation in a physiotherapy programme then a physiotherapist may recommend open access for a time.

 

I can’t remember when my next appointment is, what do I do?

Please contact the Children’s Physiotherapy Team on: 01482 458809 or 01482 336774 and a member of the team will be able to help with any issues.

 

How and who can refer to physiotherapy?

If you are concerned about your child and feel they may need a referral to physiotherapy then please seek advice from your GP or an appropriate health professional who may be involved with your child’s care.

 

How often will my child be seen by a member of the physiotherapy team?

The frequency of input from a member of the physiotherapy team will vary depending on your child’s current needs. There may be occasions when your child may receive a block of treatment for a set number of weeks. This will be clearly explained to you and your child and following this block of treatment your child’s needs and input will be reviewed.

The physiotherapy team will provide training to family/carers and to school staff members where appropriate to support the implementation of your child’s physiotherapy programme.