Due to increased demand on the hospital due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic we are having to make significant changes to our services which may require cancellation of appointments.
Patient
We are attempting to contact all patients with a future scheduled appointment. In some cases we are changing appointments to a telephone consultation. We will contact you to cancel your appointment and rebook, if necessary, for a future date. If we are unable to contact you, you will receive a letter asking you to contact our department.
If you have not heard from us within three days of your scheduled appointment please call the following numbers:
- Guy's Hospital: 020 7188 6483
- St Thomas' Hospital: 020 7188 6477
Our phone lines may be busy and there may be a wait for your call to be answered. Please leave a message and we will contact you in due course.
If you are an existing patient who has previously been seen in our service and need advice from the clinical team please call or email us.
See our frequently asked questions for further information.
About us
The patient appliances department offers services at both Guy's Hospital and St Thomas Hospital.
We fit and provide orthotics (anything that can be fitted to the outside of the body to aid mobility) to make standing, walking, and running more comfortable and efficient.
Your appointment
The orthotist (a person who measures, designs, fits and services orthotics) will take your medical history and details. The patient will then be assessed for a suitable appliance.
The patient may need further appointments if the appliance is made to measure or for example, if shoes need modification.
Some appliances may be available from stock, such as knee braces, wrist braces and abdominal belts. For others, such as surgical stockings and corsets, patients may need to pay a prescription charge.
The patient will be given both verbal and written manufacturer instructions.
The first appointment usually takes between 15 minutes to one hour.
Referrals
Consultant referrals within Guy’s and St Thomas' Trust are accepted for this service.