Orthotics departments have clinical staff called Orthotists, who are registered healthcare professionals. They specialise in the assessment of the whole body for biomechanical problems and if appropriate may prescribe, measure, fit, or review, an Orthosis.
An Orthosis is an externally applied device worn on the body. It may also be called a ‘brace’, or ‘splint’. Therapeutic footwear may also be used as an Orthosis.
The purpose and design of an Orthosis may change over time along with the changing needs and goals of the patient.
In our Orthotic department, we also have Orthotic clinical assistants who specialise in measuring/fitting and supplying hernia supports and specialist compression garments.
The videos below give an overview of what Prosthetics, Orthotists and Clinical Assistants do.
Different types of Orthotic Devices
Please see photographs below displaying different types of Orthotic devices that you may be prescribed by your Orthotist.
Orthotist showing a patient thier x-ray imageOrthotist fitting an Ankle Foot Orthosis to a patientDifferent types of Ankle foot Orthosis or drop foot splintAnkle Foot Orthosis with patients own shoePrescription FootwearInsolesOrthotist showing a patient an insolewrist and hand orthosisKnee Orthosis
How we measure you for an Orthotic Device
Orthotic measuring equipmentOrthotist scanning a patient for insolesOrthotist scanning a patient for footwear
Glasgow City Youth Health Service take a holistic approach to care. This means that we try to support the young person with all aspects of their health, rather than focusing on just one.
Most of the help we provide comes under one of the following categories; however we recognise that being healthy can mean different things to different people and our health can be affected by many different factors. We will often link with other services across Glasgow City to offer a wide range of support.
Mental Health
We take a preventative approach to mental health – this means we will provide young people with coping strategies to help them deal with life’s challenges in a more constructive way.
We can offer short-term support with difficulties such as stress, anxiety and low mood. This may take the form of sessions with our Lifelink Counsellors or other mental health support such as group sessions.
Sexual Health
We can offer support with contraception including implant insertion and removal, emergency contraception, contraceptive injection and contraceptive pills. Pregnancy testing and advice and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing are also available at the Youth Health Service.
Free condoms are available at all our venues.
Multiple Risk
Our Multiple Risk Workers are here to support young people to make positive choices and changes and improve their resilience. This could be to do with peer pressure, substance use, gaming or any other risky behaviours.
The Multiple Risk programme is provided by our partners includem and uses their “A Better Life” toolkit which includes topics such as health and wellbeing, offending and risk-taking behaviours. Sessions take place over several weeks and involve activities to create a personal development plan and work towards goals set by the young person. The activities used in the programme are tailored to the young person’s learning style and interests to ensure their support is personalised.
One to one appointments are available in each of our venues with our Multiple Risk Workers, with potential for appointments in the community, where appropriate.
Weight Management
Weigh to Go weight management service is available in some of our Youth Health Service venues and open to young people aged 12-18 years who are overweight (BMI 25+) and want to lose or manage their weight.
We can accept referrals for young people who are aged 12-19 years, live in Glasgow City local authority or are registered with a Glasgow GP.
Young people can refer themselves or be referred by a teacher, school nurse, parent, GP or any other organisation working with young people. The only requirement is that the referral is discussed with the young person first.
To speak to our team or to make a referral, please phone 0141 451 2727 Monday – Friday, from 8.30am – 4.30pm.
Go to the reception desk and tell our team member your name and appointment time. You don’t have to tell them what the appointment is about. If it’s the first time you’ve come to the service, there will be some information to read and registration paperwork to complete. We will take your details and you will be asked to sign an agreement form. At any time you can let us know what pronouns you prefer to use and we’ll make sure our team are aware.
You might notice that our waiting areas look a bit different to a normal health centre reception area. Some of our venues have dimmed lighting and music playing. We’ve set them up in this way to create friendly and relaxed environment and to help you feel comfortable.
If there’s anything we can do to make your visit easier, please let us know in advance if possible. All of our venues have a Hearing Loop system and we can provide an interpreter if you require support with spoken languages, British Sign Language or Deafblind communication.
Giving feedback or making a complaint
We hope you have a positive experience at the Youth Health Service but we recognise that we don’t always get it right. Your comments and feedback can help us to improve.
We have comment boxes in all our venues where you can give feedback.
If you want to talk to us about your experience you can either speak to a member of the team at one of our venues or phone us on 0141 451 2727.
Ideally we would like to deal with any complaints within the service. One of our team may be able to resolve the issue, but if this is not possible, you can contact our service manager by phoning 0141 451 2727.
In the event that the issue still isn’t resolved, there is a formal complaints process you can access through Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership.
Our values and vision
Our values underpin everything we do as a service and form the basis of what young people and their families should expect from us. These are trust, respect and listening without judgement. We commit to living out these values in the following ways:
We will work in such a way that builds and maintains trust with young people.
We will treat everyone fairly and with respect.
We will listen without judgement.
Our vision articulates our purpose, our long-term goals and the way we will work to achieve our values:
“To improve the health and wellbeing of young people in Glasgow City with a focus on early intervention and prevention. To work with young people, their families and partner agencies to provide flexible, holistic support using a youth friendly model, and to help young people achieve their potential.”
We describe ourselves as an early intervention and prevention service; this means getting someone help before problems arise or things get worse.
You can find our locations across Glasgow by clicking the below map or visiting our Google Map list.
Advice after having a trapeziectomy
What is Osteoarthritis (OA) of the base of the thumb?
OA of the base of the thumb is a very common complaint. Tis is usually due to normal wear and tear, caused by the demands placed on the thumb during everyday activities.
OA at the base of the thumb can cause symptoms of pain and stiffness. You may find some difficulty with gripping and tasks such as opening jars and turning a key in the lock.
Symptoms can often be controlled by non surgical treatments but if they are not effective surgery may be an option. The most common surgery is called a trapeziectomy. Here, we will give you some advice after having a trapeziectomy.
After the Surgery
The surgery is generally a day procedure which means you can usually go home on the same day as your surgery. Depending on the procedure it may be performed under local anaesthetic in which you will remain awake or under general anaesthetic in which case you will be asleep.
The surgery involves removing a small bone called the trapezium through a small cut at the base of your thumb.
Removal of this bone gives more space for the thumb to move so that the bone surfaces are not rubbing together causing pain.
Sometimes an additional small cut is made on the front of your forearm in order to get a piece of tendon to use to stabilise the base of the thumb after the small bone is removed.
Please note that as with any surgery there are potential risks involved. The majority of people have straight forward recovery following surgery. However complications can occur and include:
Infection
Nerve damage causing altered sensation or loss of feeling in the thumb area.
Persistent scar tenderness.
Injury to the arteries of the finger or hand.
Failure to resolve the pain.
Please contact the clinic on the numbers provided if you have any concerns
What to Expect After Surgery
Your thumb and hand will be put in a splint or a cast. Your surgeon will advise on when the cast or splint will be removed or changed but this is usually for an overall period of 6 weeks.
If a wire has been inserted, this can be removed after 3 to 4 weeks.
During the time your splint or cast is on, it is important to:
Keep your hand raised to help get rid of swelling
Move your fingers to prevent them from becoming stiff
Do not use your hand for anything other than very light functional activities (eg using telephone, finger typing, turning on a switch)
Do not drive
You may experience pain and discomfort at first but normally this resolves with time. Please speak to your GP or pharmacist about controlling your pain if necessary.
Moving and using your hand after your splint or cast has been removed
After the splint or cast has been removed at around 6 weeks after your operation you can now start to exercise your thumb. The exercises are described below. You should try to use your hand as normally as possible but avoid heavy lifting or prolonged tight gripping until around 10 to 12 weeks after the operation. How much you are able to do with your hand at this stage depends on how much pain you are experiencing. it is important to manage your pain to allow you to move your thumb and do your exercises.
Exercises
Exercise 1
Hold all fingers straight. Make big circles with your thumb. Repeat 10 times.
Exercise 2
Place the back of your hand on a table with your thumb and fingers rested. Bring your thumb across to the base of your little finger as far as you are able. Return your thumb back to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.
Exercise 3
Place your elbow or back of your hand on a table. Put the tip of your thumb against each of your fingertips in turn. Repeat 10 times.
Practice picking up small objects.
Exercise 4
Bend the upper joint of your thumb. Assist the movement with your other hand. Hold for 15 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
Driving
You can return to driving when your cast or splint has been removed finally (usually around 6 weeks after your operation) and it is comfortable and safe for you to do so. You must feel that you are in complete control of the car; it is your responsibility to check with your insurance company before returning to driving.
Work
Time Off Work
This will depend on your occupation, place of work, ability to return to light duties and may at times be dependent on whether the operation has been carried out on your dominant hand or not.
Please remember that recovery of full function can take a long time, in some cases it can be 6 months or more before you can carryout any heavy functional tasks.
What is a Knee Arthroscopy?
A knee arthroscopy is a common orthopaedic operation which involves looking into the knee joint with a fine telescope. It allows the surgeon to see inside the knee and treat several conditions. It is performed under a general anaesthetic, which means that you will be asleep throughout the procedure.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Please see your day surgery appointment and guide booklet for further instructions. It is important that you read and follow these instructions fully.
Please wear loose fitting trousers, e.g. track suit bottoms as you will have a bulky bandage on your knee after your surgery.
Do not shave your knee.
Pain
You can expect some discomfort around the wound area. The painkiller tablets given to you before going home should help. We will advise you how to take these. Within the first 24-48 hours, if you have severe pain in your knee not relieved by the painkillers or if your knee becomes very swollen, you should seek advice.
Do not take alcohol while taking pain killers.
You can help to reduce pain and swelling by raising your leg several times a day and using ice over the knee for 10-15 minutes. (It is important to wrap the ice in a damp towel to protect from ice burn)
Wound Information
Wound Healing
The wounds will take approximately 1 week to heal.
Stitches
Normally there are no skin stitches.
Small sticky tapes have been applied.
Please make an appointment with your GP 10 days following your surgery to have your stitches removed (if applicable).
Wound Dressing
You may have a padded bandage on top of the dressing. Please remove the padded bandage 24 – 48 hours after your operation.
You will have a dressing covering your wound. Remove the dressing after 24- 48 hours.
Some surgeons like you to replace the bandage with a tubigrip to proved knee support.
The tubigrip should be worn over the knee from 3 to 4 inches above to 3 to 4 inches below the knee.
Continue to wear the tubigrip until the swelling goes down. It should be worn all day but removed at bedtime.
Wound Care
Do not shower or bathe for at least 24 hours after your operation.
Bathe in plain water only, do not use perfumed products or talcum powder.
Make sure you dry your wound gently and thoroughly.
Activity
Once home, rest as much as possible for the remainder of the day.
For the initial few days after surgery the leg should be rested and raised several times a day. It is however vital that you perform your physiotherapy exercises.
You should limit your amount of walking for the first few days and gradually build this up.
Physiotherapy
You should not need any walking aids following your surgery; you should get up and try to walk as normally as possible.
If you are finding stairs difficult, it may be easier, for the first few days if you take one step at a time, going up with your unoperated leg first and down with your operated leg first.
Return to Work
You can usually return to work after 24 hours but this will depend on your occupation.
Driving
Do not drive a vehicle or ride a bicycle for a minimum of 24 hours.
Only return to driving when able to comfortably and safely change gear and carry out an emergency stop.
Contact your insurance company for further details; all policies vary.
Exercises
You can start doing these exercise immediately after your surgery although some people prefer to wait until the next day.
Knee Flexion / Extension
Repeat 2 to 3 sets of 10 reps of this exercise. Continue to perform this 2-3 times daily until the movement of your operated leg is equal to the other side.
Passive Knee Extension Stretch
Sitting on a chair, supporting your operated leg on a chair as shown. Let your leg straighten in this position. Remain in this position for 15 minutes to allow the knee to stretch. Slowly bend the knee to take it off the chair. This exercise will assist you to regain full straightening of the knee. Discontinue when you have regained full straightening. Repeat 1 to 2 times daily.
Static Quadriceps Strengthening
Sit with your leg straight. Pull your toes back and push your knee straight by tightening the muscles on the front of your thigh.
Hold for 5 seconds – relax.
Repeat 2-3 sets of 10 reps of this exercise 2-3 times daily.
Quadriceps strengthening
Sit with a rolled up towel (or pillow) under the knee. Pulling toes up, press the back of the knee into the roll and lift the heel up by tensing the front of the thigh.
Hold for 5 seconds – relax.
Repeat 2 to 3 sets of 10 reps of this exercise 2 to 3 times daily.
Straight leg lift (knee strengthening)
Sit with your operated leg straight. Exercise your straight leg by pulling the toes up, keeping the knee straight and lifting the leg off the bed.
Hold approx. 5 secs – slowly lower.
Repeat 2-3 sets of 10 reps of this exercise 2-3 times daily.
Progress onto this exercise when you are able to do it pain free after surgery. This may take up to 6 weeks.
Step up
Stand in front of a step. Lead with the operated leg and step fully up onto it. Use your operated leg to lower yourself back down and start again.
Repeat 10-30 times as able, repeat on the other side.
Aim to do the same on each side. Do this 2-3 times daily.
Follow up and other information
Follow Up Clinic
For most patients there is no need for you to return to the Orthopaedic clinic after your surgery.
However, if 6-8 weeks following you operation you have any concerns regarding your knee, see contact details.
Passing Urine
It is important that you pass urine as normal after day surgery.
Sometimes there may be a delay because you have been fasting. If you have not passed urine before leaving day surgery then you should continue to drink plenty of fluids.
After several hours at home if you still do not pass urine, or have an urge but are unable to do so, seek advice. See contact details.
First Aid
Slight oozing of blood from the wound is not unusual in the first 24 hours.
If the wound bleeds heavily, lie down, raise the leg on a pillow and apply pressure with your hand for 10 minutes.
Seek advice immediately, using the contact details, if you develop:
Persistent bleeding
Severe bruising or swelling
A high temperature
A hot red wound
A foul smell from the wound
GP Letter
You will be given a letter for your GP.
Please hand this into your GP surgery as soon as possible to inform them of your hospital attendance.
Contact Details
In an emergency
In an emergency go immediately to your nearest Accident and Emergency (Take your GP letter, procedure information sheet and any tablets issued by Day Surgery).
If you have any further queries regarding your operation please contact the Day Surgery Unit where you had your operation.
New Victoria ACH (Day Surgery Unit)
Call 0141 347 8242 8.30am – 8.00pm Monday to Friday.
Out with these hours, if further help or advice is required, contact Ward 3, The New Victoria Hospital (0141 347 8453) Contact NHS 24 Telephone No: (111).
Gartnavel General Hospital (Ward 4C)
Call 0141 211 3451 8.00am – 7.00pm Monday to Friday
Out with these hours, if further help or advice is required, contact NHS 24 by calling 111.
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (Ward 10A/10B)
Call 0141 452 2700 or 0141 452 2730 8.00am – 7.00pm Monday to Friday• Out with these hours, if further help or advice is required, contact NHS 24 by calling 111.
For most patients there is no need for you to return to the Orthopaedic clinic after your surgery and most patients do not need follow up physiotherapy.
However, if 6 to 8 weeks following you operation you have any concerns regarding your knee, please contact the physiotherapy team on 0141 211 3452. This phone is not always attended, we will endeavour to call you back within 2 working days.
Information regarding physiotherapy following common orthopaedic surgeries.
In February 2024, we had an opportunity to present a patient story to the board which highlights the work of the Orthotic Service within NHSGGC.
Firstly, we hear from Nikki Munro, Clinical Lead and Service Manager who explains the role and remit of the Adult Orthotic Service. Following on from Nikki, we hear from Laura who is an Advanced Specialist Orthotist and the MSK Team Lead for Orthotics. We then meet Frances who had an accident at work which resulted in difficulties with walking.
This video demonstrates how the Orthotic Team and Frances worked together to help her achieve her goals including dancing.
Poor diet and an unhealthy weight are two of the main contributors to poor health in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area and seen throughout our lifecycle.
The Scottish Dietary Goals were established 20 years ago to set the direction of a healthy diet to reduce the burden of obesity and diet-related disease. Unfortunately little progress has been made and we still consumes too much energy, saturated fat, sugar and salt and not enough fruit and vegetables, oil-rich fish and fibre. This poor diet is contributing to obesity.
We know that across NHSGGC:
22% of primary 1 children are overweight and obese
16.9% of women and 9.2% of men aged 16-24 years old are obese
65% of men and 59% of women aged 16-64+ years old are overweight and obese.
Obesity and poor diet exist across the population but inequalities exist with diet and obesity being particularly worst in our poorer communities.
What we’re doing to address these issues:
NHSGGC are committed to addressing poor diet and access to weight management and physical activity services by working with our partner organisations to provide programmes supporting healthier choices such as:
The role of the maternity, children and public health team is to reduce inequalities and improve the heath and wellbeing of children, young people and pregnant women by providing strategic, evidence based advice and guidance enabling the delivery of high quality services.
Core Team Members
Catriona Milosevic, Consultant in Public Health Medicine
Heather Jarvie, Programme Manager
Debbie Schofield, Programme Manager
Marc Conroy, Health Improvement Lead
Support for data analysis is provided by Paul Burton
Team Vision
To improve the health and wellbeing of pregnant women, children and young people and their families. To reduce inequalities within these groups and between these groups and the rest of the population.
Team Workplan
The key objectives within the workplan are to:
1. Improve the health and wellbeing of pregnant women and their children across the antenatal and perinatal period and reduces inequalities within these groups and between these groups.
2. Provide leadership to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people and reduces inequalities within this population.
3. Lead the creation and dissemination of surveillance and intelligence outputs form the Child Health suveillance system, EMIS web and other sources.
4. Contribute to more effective network governance for the maternity and children’s agenda within NHSGGC and nationally.
5. Develop and influence the implementation of the child safety and unintentional injury strategy for NHSGGC.
6. Support professional practice by creating evidence to ensure that health visitor action targets better outcomes for children and families living in relative socio-economic deprivation.
7. Lead the development of the child and maternal health and intelligence function within NHSGGC and at a regional level.
8. Evaluate, report and act to reduce impact of relative poverty for children and families.
Contact
To contact the Maternal and Child Public Health Team please e-mail Emma.Kinghorn2@nhs.scot
Reports
20 Apr 2016 Starting life smoke-free in NHSGGC A health needs assessment of infants exposed to tobacco smoke in pregnancy and the first year of life.
29 Jan 2013 Healthy Mums Healthy Children:Report on the health of pregnant women and children 2011/12 This report describes the ways in which health services were delivered for the population of children and pregnant women resident within the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Board area, and provides a basis for action in order to deliver safe, effective, high quality care in a way which seeks to reduce inequalities in health. For more information, please contact ggc.phsuadmin.admin@nhs.scot.
Resources for staff
2 Oct 2019 Healthy families healthy children information pathway The Healthy Families, Healthy Children Information Pathway has been designed to assist NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff who work with pregnant women, families and children. It identifies publications which are available to support effective communication with parents and carers to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 places a duty on local authorities and regional health boards in Scotland to produce annual Local Child Poverty Action Reports (LCPARs) describing ongoing and planned action to tackle child poverty at local level. National guidance suggests that the LCPARs be developed collaboratively with local partners and that they bring about a ‘step change’ in action to tackle child poverty.
