https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/health-professionals/orthopaedic-surgery/

Orthopaedic surgery

Targeted review into care of orthopaedics patients

We are carrying out a review into the care of some of our patients and have contacted them directly.

We asked the Royal College of Surgeons to review our paediatric orthopaedic service, after concerns were raised by a number of our patient families and staff.

We take all concerns incredibly seriously and have written directly to all those patients and their families who may be affected. We know that for them this could be a worrying time and we are sorry for the concern these letters may have caused.

We are committed to learning from every single patient that we treat, and to being open and transparent with our families when care falls below the high standards we strive for.

If you have any questions about the review, please contact our Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALs) on 0207 829 7862 or by email PALS@gosh.nhs.uk.

The Occupational Therapy team provide inpatient and outpatient care to the Orthopaedic service at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Additionally, the Occupational Therapists manage the Pan Hospital Wheelchair Loan Service.  We offer specialist assessment, advice and intervention to support children undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Advice is provided in partnership with the other members of the multidisciplinary team treating your child at GOSH.

We provide advice on daily functioning and precautions before and after surgery. We also provide more specific advice regarding mobility and supporting your child to become more independent in self-care activities, schoolwork and play. We may also focus on the use of appropriate specialist equipment and seating.

Our occupational therapists play an important role in preparing children for safe discharge back to the community.

We are available to answer your questions and to offer support to local services that may require additional information regarding your child's needs. This is to ensure continuity of care, particularly regarding the provision of equipment such as hoists and wheelchairs.

Pan Hospital Wheelchair Loan Service

The Wheelchair Service supports inpatients in order to optimise their recovery and to facilitate discharge from hospital. Loans are most frequently provided to children undergoing orthopaedic surgery who are unable to weight bear and to children who have suffered a serious neurological event or have a life limiting condition.

The Occupational Therapy team accept referrals from clinical staff in the hospital. Referrals are screened and allocated as appropriate. An occupational therapist will assess the child’s functional needs, mobility and postural control and then provide a temporary wheelchair, if indicated. Where appropriate, a referral will be made to the local wheelchair service to arrange a long term wheelchair loan.

If a child is due to be discharged home and will require a standard wheelchair for short period of time, the family is advised to loan a wheelchair from either The Red Cross or hire one from a local wheelchair dealer. The occupational therapist can advise the family regarding this.