Equipment advice Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Resource Library - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

What is Mepitel? Mepitel is a non-stick silicone dressing that is very versatile as it can be used on all types of wounds including covering stitches, steristrips and skin glue. What does Mepitel do? Mepitel acts as a protective layer between the wound and the dressing, allowing fluid to pass...

Why does my child need a standing frame? Children learn to stand unsupported from 10 to 15 months old. If you child finds it difficult to stand then they may need some assistance to do so. Some children only need help standing for a short period of their lives, whereas others may need ongoing...

You have been asked to provide footwear to be adapted for your child. What do I need to do? When bringing or posting footwear to the hospital for adapting please: clearly label the footwear with your child’s name, address and hospital number (if known) provide a current daytime telephone number...

Contact lenses are an alternative to glasses. They are safe to use with the correct guidance and may be the best treatment option for your child. Will my child be uncomfortable wearing contact lenses? There are different types of contact lenses. The first lenses that will be fitted to your child’s...

Your child is precious, and so are you. As they grow bigger and older their needs change. Using a hoist and sling to help them move is a safe, comfortable and dignified alternative to lifting for you both. Here are some steps to consider when using a hoist and sling to transfer (help move)...

Why does my child need to wear boots and bar? The boots and bar are essential to help your child’s feet develop correctly. The boots and bar continue the work started by the corrective casts. How do the boots and bar work? The boots work by turning your child’s feet out. This position...

Car seats This material has been put together by the occupational therapists working with the Early Years Team to assist you in buying a suitable car seat for your child. It is a legal requirement for all parents or carers to provide appropriate car seating for their child. This applies to children...

How do I clean and disinfect contact lenses? You lenses will need to be cleaned and disinfected overnight after you have worn them. You will be given enough cleaning solutions by Sheffield Children’s but if you  run out you can buy more supplies from a local opticians or chemist. For both soft...

The bracing service at Sheffield Children’s Hospital aims to get the best results possible. Bracing is a commitment for you and your family, and we understand how difficult it is to wear a full-time brace. Growth makes the scoliosis curves get bigger, so bracing will continue until you stop...

Why does my child need glasses? In most cases glasses are prescribed for children to improve vision, they may also be given to prevent poor vision from developing or to treat a squint. Glasses are not always ordered, even if the child is found to be long or short-sighted. There are various factors...

Zinc oxide tape Zinc oxide tape is effective in the management of scar tissue, with some scars noted to become softer, flatter and paler following use. Effects are not often immediate, however with regular use benefits are usually noted after several weeks. Instructions for use Clean and moisturise...

Conformers Conformers are effective in the management of scar tissue, with some scars becoming softer, flatter and paler following use. The conformer is moulded to fit the scared area exactly. Effects are often not immediate, however with regular use benefits are usually noted after several weeks....

Steristrip dressing How to look after my Steristrips Keep them dry and avoid touching. Leave them in place for a minimum of 5 to 7 days and no longer than 14 days. How to remove my Steristrips Soak them with water and carefully peel them off. If they are not easily removed, trim them and…...

Hearing aids are an option to manage hearing loss for people who do not want to or cannot have surgery. This resource contains information about hearing aids to help you in choosing the right management option for your child. You will need to talk about the options available to your child with your...

How often will my child be seen? The first hearing aid review appointment will be a few weeks after your child’s hearing aids are fitted. They may need to be seen every 2 to 3 months begin with. Your child will then need regular hearing aid reviews until they reach 16 years old. At every…...

How can I help my child with their hearing aids? Make sure you attend all appointments in hearing services and bring the hearing aids to all appointments. If you are unable to attend, then you must call beforehand and rearrange. How often will we need to come to the hospital now my child’s...

Why do I need a brace? A brace reduces the chance of the scoliosis curve getting bigger and needing surgery. Will the brace work? There is excellent scientific evidence that full-time braces reduce the risk of people going on to need surgery. The brace doesn’t work for everyone but is more likely...

Pressure therapy Pressure therapy is used to try and improve the appearance of scars. It has been shown to assist with flattening and paling of scar tissue. Although it does not erase the scar it can have significant effects. What is scarring? Scars are produced as part of the body’s natural...

Introduction Your healthcare team feel that you are ready to go home. This advice has been designed to give you all the information you need to take home with you. Please ask the staff if you have any questions. Personal identification information Your health speciality for ongoing outpatient care...

Pin site care information for patients with external fixators If your treatment is to be a success it is essential that you keep your pin sites clean. If your pin sites become seriously infected your treatment may have to be stopped. At worst, a serious pin site infection can lead to...

Bolster dressings are used to prevent excessive soft tissue movement around skeletal screws, pins or wires. They are generally used on femoral screw sites, or on half-pin sites on Ilizarov or Taylor spatial frames. Reducing soft tissue movement with the application of a bolster dressing can lessen...

What is soft cast? Soft cast is a particular type of plaster cast that is designed to be flexible but strong enough to protect a broken bone whilst it is healing. Instructions after application of a soft cast If the fingers become swollen, painful, blue, numb, cold or you feel ‘pins and...

A hip spica is a cast (the same type of plaster we use to splint broken bones) which extends from the abdomen and down both legs. How far down the leg it comes depends on the reason for the cast. Some spicas have a cross bar between the legs which adds stability to casts in… Continue Reading...

This resource is a guide to the use of the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. The equipment you should have includes: 1 x CPAP machine 1 x electrical power cable 1 x air hosing or tubing 1 x mask (type may vary depending on individual need) Know your device      ...