Patients & visitors

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do if I am having problems with my Orthosis?

A: Please call the service so we are aware of the problem and can offer advice or a review appointment.

Q: After an initial consultation, can I self-refer if I have a problem or do all referrals have to be made through a GP?

A: After the first referral, patients/carers/guardians, can refer themselves back into the system for review of their current device (up to 3 years from last contact) without a new referral.

Q: Can I choose where I go for treatment?

A: As we are a very small specialist service clinics for adults are held at the BGH only. Children’s clinics are held on Thursday afternoons at Borders General Hospital and Thursday mornings once a month at Kelso Community Hospital, Hawick Health Centre and Haylodge Health centre Peebles and thursday afternoons once a month at The Knoll Duns.

Q: What is car parking like at the BGH?

A: The car parks at the BGH can become very busy particularly through late morning and afternoon. Please allow plenty time to find a parking space or consider using public transport.

Q: How long should I expect for my appointment?

A: Appointments should be of adequate length to ensure the Orthotist has fully understood your requirements and gives you the correct prescription. You should have time to ask any questions and talk through issues. The minimum appointment slot for an Orthotist is 20 minutes.

Q: What happens if I am late for my appointment?

A: If you are over 10 minutes late for your appointment we may have to rearrange your appointment to a later time and date.

Q: How long do I wait for my Orthosis between assessment and fitting?

A: The waiting time between appointments should be kept to a minimum, especially if an orthosis needs to be returned for adjustment or repair. Without the orthosis it could be very difficult for you to get around. Your Orthotist should provide you with information re your next appointment and explain clearly any waiting time. Orthoses that are custom made particularly footwear tend to take longer to make due to the handmade nature of these devices.

Q: How do I send shoes in for adaptation or repair?

A: After your initial assessment you may be asked to send shoes in to be adapted for example with a raise, flare or caliper socket. Please put the shoes in a bag with a note of your name and details inside with them. Address the bag “Orthotics BGH” and hand the bag into your local NHS Borders GP practice or health centre. They will send them over to Orthotics we will get them adapted/repaired and send them back to you. This normally takes around 3-4 weeks.

Q: What do Orthotics not supply?

The Orthotics Service provides a comprehensive range of orthoses, however, referrals for the following will not be accepted due to little or no clinical evidence of their benefit.

Foot/ankle: