Orthotics - Your abdominal support

Introduction

This leaflet is for people who have been provided with an abdominal support by the Orthotics service. It will explain how you should care for your support and other important information about the Orthotics service.

We hope you find this information useful.

If you require further information or are unable to attend an appointment, please telephone the Orthotics department where the appointment has been made for you as soon as possible:

Bury, Rochdale or Oldham: 0161 778 2670
Email: nca.orthotics@nca.nhs.uk

Salford: 0161 206 4912
Email: salford.orthotics@nca.nhs.uk

For further information about our service, please visit:

www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/our-services/orthotics

Our sites are open for collection and dropping off devices:

Bury: Tuesdays only
Rochdale: Thursdays only
Oldham: Mondays only
Salford: Monday - Friday

What am I entitled to?

You are entitled to one abdominal support. You will only be given a second item after inspection of your original support by the Orthotist and for the following reasons:

• If you need the support long term
• If your original support is deemed to be clinically ineffective by the Orthotist
• If your original support is beyond repair

Theft, loss or damage to your abdominal support

If your support is stolen you will need to obtain a crime number from the police before we are able to order you a replacement.

If your support is lost or damaged (either accidentally or maliciously) you will be asked to pay for its replacement. The average cost of replacement of abdominal support is £52.

How should I use the abdominal support?

• Ideally the support should be put on lying down
• Place the support behind the back and wrap around the waist
• Fasten a strap nearest the middle of the support first
• Fasten the remaining straps from bottom to top missing out the strap fastened initially
• Re-tighten the strap fastened initially if necessary
• Wear the support as instructed by the Orthotist
• Remove the support for sleeping
• Return the support for repair as needed
• Wash regularly

How should I care for the abdominal support?

• Fasten all Velcro straps
• Machine wash on gentlest programme or hand wash
• Wrap in a towel to remove excess moisture then allow to dry naturally – the support cannot be dried on the radiator or in a tumble dryer
• The support should be placed flat to dry.

What problems should I be aware of?

If you notice any of the following, please contact the Orthotics department as soon as possible on the telephone number at the start of this leaflet

• Increased pain or discomfort
• Sores or blisters on the skin
• Irritation or rubbing
• Any damage to the support

Further appointments

You will not be given a further appointment automatically. However, if you feel your condition has not improved, has worsened or you are experiencing problems with your support you can ask to see the Orthotist for a review appointment by telephoning the Orthotics department where you had your original appointment.