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Trauma and Orthopaedics

The OT in Trauma and Orthopaedics works as part of the multidisciplinary team. For elective (planned) orthopaedic surgeries the OT will complete a pre-operative assessment over the phone with parents and carers. This is to help families prepare for surgery and the practicalities of day to day life after the operation. The OT will also see children and families on the ward after surgery (planned and unplanned) to work towards a safe discharge from hospital.

 The role of the Occupational Therapist includes:

  • Working with children who have a change in level of functionality
  • Identifying the need for specialist equipment or home adaptions prior to discharge
  • Providing a limited selection of temporary equipment
  • Liaising with community services
  • Liaising with schools and nurseries to support children in having a safe and timely return post-operation

Wheelchairs

Some children may need a wheelchair temporarily after an operation; we have a limited number of wheelchairs and buggies we can loan out to children who have had certain types of surgery. We also often advise parents/carers to go to the Red Cross who loan out wheelchairs on a short term basis.

http://www.redcross.org.uk/Where-we-work/In-the-UK/Southern-England/Wiltshire-Avon-and-Gloucestershire/LocalServices/Mobility-aids/?dpid=d76b3383-024b-4e52-b507-a732b318b9db

Hip Spica Casts

Many children we work with will be going into a hip spica cast. Below is some useful information and links which can help parents prepare for caring for their child in a spica.

Car seat

Maxi Cosi have adapted their Opal car seat for children in hip spica casts as often they will be unable to fit into their current car seats. These can be hired; follow the link below for information on their scheme:

http://www.steps-charity.org.uk/conditions/hip-dysplasia-ddh/hip-spica-car-seat/

Caring for your child at home:

The OT will go through with parents the practicalities of being in spica and help families to plan for any adjustments they will need to make. Below are some useful resources for parents.

http://www.steps-charity.org.uk/

http://www.steps-charity.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Hip-Surgery-and-Spica-Cast-Care-1.pdf

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/Pages/Introduction.aspx