Staffing

Which members of staff work at the Dorset Prosthetic Centre?

Consultant:

The Consultant sees all new amputees, as well as people who are considering amputation when they have a choice.

The Consultant is responsible for assessing medical fitness to proceed or continue with prosthetic limb wearing.

All users of the prosthetic centre can ask to see the Consultant whenever they need, e.g. for residual limb or phantom limb pain, skin problems or wound problems.

Clinical Specialist Nurse:

A specialist nurse is available to offer advice and practical help to users of the Centre. The nurse assesses and re-dresses wounds, completes diabetic reviews and offers advice on managing a healthy lifestyle.

Prosthetists:

A Prosthetist is the clinician whom you are likely to have the most contact with. They are trained to design and fit an artificial limb specific to each individual. They will assess your residual limb, overall fitness and prosthetic needs to design you a limb that will fit your everyday needs. It is important to have a good working relationship and communication with your prosthetist as you are likely to be involved with them long term. The more you work with your prosthetist, the better the outcome of your prosthesis.

Prosthetists are supported by technicians who make, repair and maintain your prosthetic limb(s).

Clinical Support Technician (CST):

The CST is a highly trained technician who is able to see you for any mechanical repairs and general maintenance of your prosthesis. The CST does not deal with issues of socket fit and will not change your prescription. However the CST may be able to make your socket more comfortable by adding some padding.

Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist:

A specialist physiotherapist is available to offer comprehensive assessments to new or established users. The physiotherapist can provide walking training to maximise your walking ability, assessment of musculoskeletal problems and offer advice on exercising, accessing leisure facilities and practical issues around the home and driving. The Physio can complete certain phantom pain treatments. In addition the physiotherapist also liaises closely with hospitals in the region undertaking treatment of amputees to ensure a consistently high quality service.

Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist:

A specialist Occupational Therapist (OT) is available to undertake comprehensive functional assessments for individuals who attend the Centre. The OT can offer advice on completing everyday activities/ tasks around the home, advice on washing and dressing, toileting and equipment and modifications to the home environment that promotes independence. The OT can also provide advice on accessing work, leisure activities and on driving. This applies whether you are a prosthetic user or not.

The OT is able to offer support, advice and practical strategies for coping to both new and established users of upper limb prosthesis, providing advice on the completion of activities/ tasks with and without the use of a prosthesis.

Children’s Key Worker:

Either the Physiotherapist or the Occupational Therapist will act as the keyworker for any children that come to the centre and can support needs at nursery or school as well as with everyday activities and sports. They will endeavour to be at each prosthetic appointment so that the parent or guardian can discuss any problems that occur that may prevent your child from integrating into normal activities.

Support and Counselling Therapist:

The Counsellor is there to help you with the emotional and psychological adjustments that may be required before or after limb amputation. The Counsellor provides an opportunity for you to discuss your concerns, fears and feelings that you may have difficulty in expressing and will help you to deal with your emotions using a variety of talking therapies. If you would like to see her you can ask the staff, or ring her on 01202 704423 for an appointment. She does sometimes see people at home if necessary. She is also happy to see family members if they too are having trouble coming to terms with your limb loss.

Podiatrist:

The Podiatrist is concerned with the assessment and diagnosis and treatment of problems of the feet and will look at the toenails, skin condition, blood supply and bony structures of your foot. The aim is to promote good foot health and prevent additional problems in your remaining foot. They carry out screening for problems and undertake foot health education for patients at risk of developing complications owing to their underlying medical condition e.g. Diabetes. They will also treat any comparable problems that occur on your residual limb (stump) as this becomes a weight bearing surface once you are a prosthetic user and subject to similar problems as your foot – e.g. callous and corns.

Orthotist:

Orthotists are trained to assess, design and fit orthotic devices specific to the individual patients needs and condition. ( The could include but are not limited to: be knee braces, insoles, calipers, and ankle braces). They will provide a range of “off the shelf” or custom made braces, splints and footwear to correct or maintain deformities, reduce pain, stabilise joints and aid movement. The Consultant or member of the clinical team will refer you to the Orthotist if there is the clinical need.

Administrative Staff:

The centre administration staff work to ensure the smooth running of the clinics and provide a prompt, responsive service. They will make an appointment for you and take and relay messages. They have experience of working in the centre with patients with limb loss and will be happy to talk to you to ensure that you see the appropriate professionals at each of your visits.

Who do the Staff work for?

The Consultant, Nurse, Therapists, Podiatrist, Counsellor and Administration staff all work for University Hospital Dorset.

You may notice that some staff members have a different logo on their uniform. This is because the Prosthetists, Clinical Support Technician, and Technicians work for a company that the trust has contracted with to make and supply the prosthetic limbs. This is because the company has a great deal of expertise in this field and they can provide the specialist training required on a nationwide basis.

The Trust employed staff and the contractor staff work as one team to ensure that you reach your optimum level of independence.