Here is a selection of frequently asked questions from our patients – answered by our expert clinical team. There are four sections, divided into General information, Prosthetics, Orthotics,and Wheelchairs. If you have any questions that have not been addressed below, please feel free to Contact Us.
General Information
What does Opcare do?
We provide prosthetic and orthotic services for NHS patients in the UK.
If I am a patient using NHS prosthetic, orthotic or wheelchair services, will Opcare be providing my healthcare?
Possibly – you can ask in your Mobility Centre or hospital if you are unsure! Our staff will wear an Opcare logo on their uniform.
Do I have to pay for my healthcare with Opcare?
No, we run clinics on behalf of the NHS so no patients have to pay to receive treatment.
Where do Opcare provide clinical services?
We run services across the UK, from Exeter to Manchester to Belfast. You can see the full list in the Clinic Locations section.
How can I arrange an appointment?
This depends from clinic to clinic. If you are an existing patient you can call up the service any time to book an appointment. If not, you will need to be referred into the service by your GP or other healthcare professional. Please contact your local service to find out more.
Prosthetics
What are prosthetic services?
Prosthetic services provide healthcare and mobility devices for amputees and other individuals with a limb difference. This includes fitting an artificial limb (or ‘prosthesis’) and then offering support and maintenance for as long as required.
What is a prosthetist?
Prosthetists are trained healthcare professionals specialising in prosthetics. They can assess individuals, advise on the best prosthesis, prescribe your artificial limb and then ensure it is fitted and working correctly.
Is an artificial limb the best option for me?
A prosthetic limb isn’t for everyone and needs to be carefully considered. Some questions to consider are: Is your other leg healthy? What was your activity level before amputation? What are your mobility goals? Your healthcare team can talk you through any concerns, and will support you with whatever decision you choose.
How are prosthetic limbs made?
A prosthetic socket – the part of the prosthesis which fits around your stump – is fully bespoke. Your prosthetist will either take a plaster mould of your stump, or scan it using 3D shape capture technology, which enables trained technicians to craft a made-to-measure device that fits you exactly. The limb is then built up using other components, such as elbows, feet or knees.
Do prostheses look realistic?
It is up to you how you want your prosthesis to look. Some people like them to look as life-like as possible, whereas others prefer to keep the metal componentry visible. We can create realistic covers, or personalise the limb with colourful fabric.
What common challenges do you face if you wear a prosthetic limb?
It is a very individual process and different people will face different challenges. However there are some common issues, such as sweating within your prosthesis, or your stump changing shape and affecting the fit of your artificial limb. Your prosthetist would help and guide you through any challenges you encounter.
Is it normal to still feel my absent limb following an amputation?
Yes, this is called phantom limb sensation, and a lot of amputees will experience it. If you are experiencing particular discomfort, please speak to your physician about treatment options.
Can I drive whilst wearing my prosthesis?
Lots of people who use a prosthesis drive with or without adaptations. Often using an automatic car or a car with hand controls can make this easier. You should discuss this thoroughly with your occupational therapist who can advise on what is right for you. It is also important to notify the DVLA of your amputation as well as your insurance company.
Can I wear my prosthesis in the shower?
Most prosthetic limbs are not waterproof due to the metal parts involved in their build. It is important that you wash your residual limb as you would the rest of your body, and therefore it is essential that you remove your limb to do so. Where necessary, there are options – such as LIMBO bags – which can enable prosthetic use in the shower/wet environments. Speak to your prosthetist if this is something you feel may be beneficial to you.
Do I wear my prosthesis in bed?
No, you should never wear your prosthesis to bed. It is important to let your skin breathe aside from anything else.
Orthotics
What is an orthosis?
The orthosis is what the orthotist has prescribed to help you with your medical problem. Orthoses used to be called appliances.
Are orthotic devices made-to-measure?
They can be! Many people wear standard stock devices, however in more complex cases a bespoke orthosis is required. Your orthotist will take measurements, and may even create a model of your body part using plaster or 3D scanning technology. This information is then used to manufacture a device which perfectly fits your body.
Do I have to pay to get an orthotic device?
No, the cost of your treatment and orthosis is covered by the NHS in the UK, except for compression hosiery, wigs, and fabric spinal or abdominal supports for which there is a prescription charge. If you wish to have additional orthoses above the standard entitlement, you may need to pay for these.
What if my orthosis gets damaged?
We can repair your orthosis if it is showing signs of wear and tear. You should stop wearing your orthosis as soon as you notice any damage, and contact your local service to arrange a repair or replacement.
Do you have to wear an orthosis all of the time?
The length of wear time varies according to your specific needs. When the device is fitted your orthotist will advise you how long you should wear it for.
How long does it take to get an orthosis?
If you require an orthosis, it will be ordered for you directly by your orthotist. Lead times vary depending on the device you need and the number of fitting appointments – sometimes a few days, sometimes up to a couple of months. Your orthotist will advise how long it should take for the orthosis to arrive.
Will I get training on how to use my orthosis?
Yes, your orthotist will demonstrate how to wear and care for your device before you start using it. Information leaflets are also supplied with devices to serve as a reminder once you get back home. It is important that you maintain your orthosis properly to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
How often will I need to have an appointment?
This will depend on your needs and the device you are wearing. However, it is important that you attend review appointments from time to time to ensure that your orthosis is still suitable for you. Your orthotist will advise how frequently you should attend an appointment.
Wheelchairs
I need a wheelchair to support my mobility, how can I get a wheelchair from the NHS service?
The Wheelchair Service in your area is commissioned to provide equipment to any eligible individual.
You must be registered with a GP who resides within the commissioned area for the service.
Referrals for new patients can only be submitted by a registered healthcare professional, if you require a wheelchair, please speak initially to your GP who will need to complete a referral application on your behalf.
What type of wheelchairs does the NHS service provide?
The wheelchair service is commissioned to provide a range of manual & self-propelled wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, postural paediatric buggies and specialist seating.
I reside in a Care Home, am I eligible for an NHS Wheelchair?
The wheelchair service does not provide transit only chairs for care home residents, these should be provided by the care home directly for your use
What happens after the Wheelchair Service receives a referral from my healthcare provider?
Your referral is initially assessed against the commissioned eligibility criteria. If you are eligible to receive an NHS wheelchair you will be contacted directly by the wheelchair service to progress your referral
How long does it usually take to get a wheelchair?
The wheelchair services are commissioned by the NHS to deliver equipment within 18 weeks of the receipt of your referral.
What happens if I am not eligible for an NHS Wheelchair?
If you are not eligible to receive an NHS wheelchair you and your GP will be informed and provided with a reason by the Wheelchair Service.
In addition, you will be provided with signposting to alternative providers such as charitable trusts within your area who may be able to support you further.
Can I get a powered wheelchair to use outside?
NHS Wheelchair services do not provide powered wheelchairs for outdoor use only.
If you are looking for outdoor mobility equipment you can find further support from Mobility UK
How can I apply for a powered wheelchair from the wheelchair service?
To be eligible for a powered wheelchair
- You will need a powered wheelchair referral to be completed by your GP/Healthcare provider
- You will be required to complete and submit a powered wheelchair questionnaire
- You will be required to complete a powered wheelchair driving assessment.
- You will need to comply the government DVLA guidelines for power chair users
- Your home/residence will need to be environmentally assessed to confirm that it is suitably assessable for a powered wheelchair
What are the Government DVLA guidelines for power chair users?
DVLA Guidelines for Powerchair users individual must be:
- Free from conditions causing loss of consciousness and epileptic seizures in waking hours within the past year, in line with DVLA requirements for motor vehicle drivers.
- Free from any combination of medical conditions and treatments likely to make independent powered wheelchair control unsafe for themselves, pedestrians or other road users.
- Have a field of vision of 120 degrees in a horizontal plane and 20 degrees above this plane.
Further details can be found at https://www.gov.uk/mobility-scooters-and-powered-wheelchairs-rules
I no longer need my NHS Wheelchair, how do I return it?
Please contact the Wheelchair Services and a member of our customer service team will make arrangements for your wheelchair to be collected within the next 5 working days.
My relative / partner no longer needs their NHS Wheelchair how do I return it?
Please contact the Wheelchair Services and a member of our customer service team will make arrangements for your wheelchair to be collected within the next 5 working days.
I have a pressure sore from using my wheelchair what should I do?
Please contact the wheelchair services and a member of the customer service team will raise a clinical referral for you.
A member of the wheelchair clinical service team will be in contact with you within 3 working days.
What do I do if there is a problem with my current wheelchair?
Please contact the wheelchair service repair and maintenance customer service team who will triage your problem and agree the next steps with you.
Can I be assessed for a wheelchair at home?
The wheelchair services are outpatient services and clinical assessments are carried out within our clinical facilities.
All our clinical facilities are easily accessible, have on-site parking and can accept hospital or ambulance transport.
Our clinic rooms have equipment to support transferring, manual and hoisting
If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact the wheelchair service.
In exceptional cases, home assessments can be arranged, but these will require your GP/Healthcare professional to submit a separate medical questionnaire to support the request.
Please note home visit requests may elongate your referral to treatment timeline.
