Orthotics transition

What is transition?

Transition means moving from Sheffield Children’s Hospital to an adult’s hospital.

Teenagers being cared for at the Sheffield Children’s Hospital are usually discharged between the ages of 16 to 18. Everyone is different so this can vary depending on your needs and treatment plan.

How does transition work?

When you are being discharged, you will need a referral letter from your physiotherapist, consultant or GP sent to an adult Orthotic service. The referral should include:

• a request for continued orthotic care
• a brief summary of your previous orthotic treatments
• your medical history

You should include any special requests in the referral letter, such as:

• if you would rather see a female or male orthotist
• you have seen a specific orthotist at the Children’s Hospital
• have been to a specialist school and would like to continue seeing them in the adult service if possible

Depending on where you live, it may be more convenient for you to be referred to an orthotic service in your local hospital or medical centre.

If you live in Sheffield, you will need a referral sent to the Orthotic Department at the Northern General Hospital. Your physiotherapist, consultant or GP can send your new referral to the Northern General Hospital by:

• email to CABSL.BlatchfordNGH@nhs.net
• faxed on 0114 226 6928
• post to Orthotics, Mobility and Specialised Rehabilitation Centre, Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, S5 7AU

The telephone number for the mobility and specialised rehabilitation centre is 0114 271 5807 but they will have no information about you until your referral has been received and processed by the administration team.

If you live outside of the Sheffield area and would prefer to be seen in your local centre, your physiotherapist, consultant or GP will need to send the referral letter to the relevant Orthotic department.

How long does it take?

The time from discharge from the Children’s service to receipt of referral at the adult service can vary from days to months depending on many factors. It is best to start the new referral process sooner rather than later.