Exeter

Opcare Exeter

Tel: 01392 275081

Exeter Mobility Centre
NHS Trust: Royal Devon & Exeter healthcare NHS trust
Wonford Road
Exeter
Devon
EX2 4DU

Tel: 01392 275081 (opcare Reception) / 403643 (Operations Manager) /403639 (CST)
Fax: 01392 403667

Web: www.rdehospital.nhs.uk

 

Opening Times

Monday - Thursday: 08.30-5.00pm
Friday: 08.30-4.30pm

 

Clinical Support Technician (CST)

If you are experiencing technical problems with your prosthesis that do not concern alignment, socket fit or comfort then please ask to see our Clinical Support Technician (CST). Appointments can be made at very short notice on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays by contacting reception on 01392 403649. You can also ask to speak with the CST at anytime for advise or assistance. 

 

LATEST NEWS!

25.02.10: Appeal for Haiti disaster victims

Our Exeter Mobility Centre is a collection point for a national charity appeal for donated prosthetic limbs, canes, walkers and wheelchairs to send out to Haiti for disaster casualties. Amputee champion Heather Mills, who recently starred on the 'Dancing On Ice' television show, has backed the appeal by Physicians for Peace. If you know someone who may have prosthetic limbs or walking aids they no longer need or use, tell them about this appeal. Donations can be received at the EMC, or call the centre on 01392 403649 for more information.

 

09.02.10: New playroom for young patients

We have recently set up a playroom for children. Opcare have donated a Playstation with games for the room. We also have a selection of books, toys and jigsaws; this creates a pleasant and safe area for our younger patients and their family. The room also serves as a clinic area for children away from the main fitting rooms.

 

09.02.10: Continued support for the South West

We are proud to announce that opcare has retained ownership of the prosthetic contract for Exeter. This also includes North Devon, Yeovil and Barnstaple. The centre has done a great job over the last 10 years. The combined efforts of the team and a contract winning presentation will allow opcare to provide services to the South West for a further 7 years.

 

Centre Information

There are a number of services available with the Exeter Mobility Centre (EMC), including both NHS and opcare resources. The service is provided throughout Devon and Somerset. This award winning multi-disciplinary team works closely together to provide optimal management for a variety of ailments.

These services include:

 

Wheelchair

The Wheelchair Service assess clients for provision of:

  • wheelchairs and children's buggies for people with long-term mobility problems
  • pressure care cushions for wheelchairs
  • equipment to provide postural support in wheelchairs or buggies

Orthotics

The Orthotics Service assess clients for provision of:

  • insoles
  • footwear
  • ankle foot orthoses
  • knee orthoses
  • spinal orthoses
  • upper extremity orthoses
  • helmets

These aim to provide support or protection due to structural or musculoskeletal deficiencies.

 

Prosthetics

The Prosthetics Department assess clients for provision of a prostheses after amputation due to:

  • congenital limb disease
  • trauma
  • vascular disease

The Prosthetics Department are included within the surgical team for pre and post amputation consultation involving weekly ward rounds and one-off consultations.

The Prosthetics Department also hold a silicone clinic every 6 to 8 weeks where patients with digital amputations and patients requiring a higher degree of cosmesis can be assessed for a high definition life-like silicone finish.

 

Physiotherapy

The Physiotherapy Department assess patients having recently had an amputation including assessing muscle strength, balance, ranges of movement and functional capabilities.

Once the prosthesis has been issued, the physiotherapists begin gait training and re-education of how to walk utilising a prosthesis. This will begin with parallel bars and work up to sticks, crutches or a frame. Dependent upon the patient, they may then progress to walking without any assistive device.

A patient can return for further gait training if required at a later date.

 

Counselling

The Counselling Service is open to anyone who is affected by limb loss. This may be families, friends or patients themselves. Our Counselling Service helps these people deal with their situation and is of great benefit. The service begins on the ward with ward rounds twice a week. This is offered on a one-to-one basis at the bedside or over the phone if the patient us unable to travel. The counsellor can provide information and support regarding the stages pre and post amputation via information support or formal counselling.

Direct Line: 01392 403654

 

Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapist provides assistance and training for the patient to be able to cope with activities of daily living and can provide information on gaining access to NHS/non-NHS services and equipment. This may include visits to the patient's home/work-place to be able to ascertain the extent of help required. This may also include information on getting back to driving.

For upper limb patients, everyday tasks will require training such as cooking while wearing the prosthesis.

 

Alongside these services, we also offer a pioneering new technique for the management of phantom limb pain called Mirror Visual Feedback (MVF). This involves using mirrors to translate the image of the sound side onto the amputee's residuum. This then enables the patient to control the phantom limb and as such can ease pain. This technique is only offered in a handful of centres.

At the EMC we believe in working closely with the patient to maximise treatment potential, and as such the EMC Amputee User Group hold meetings which enable us to improve our services by taking on the patients views. These meetings allow all varieties of amputee to view their opinions and can address any issues requiring attention.

Along with the Prosthetic User Group, we also retain close links with Cornwall Mobility. This firm provides driving assessments for the DVLA to ensure that any patient wishing to get back to driving is safe to do so. Assessments are carried out at the EMC as this allows any feedback to be given straight to a prosthetist.

The Prosthetics Department also works closely with the locally based charity PORT-ER (Prosthetic, Orthotic and Rehabilitation Technique - Education and Research). PORT-ER's aim is to bring about better patient care through national and international development. In order to do this, they provide grant funding for individuals, groups and professionals to encourage an international exchange of skills, knowledge and user support.

Upon arrival to the EMC, you will be met by our friendly reception team, who will receive all enquiries and pass them on to the appropriate clinician. The receptionists will book in appointment attendees and will inform us of your arrival, ensuring swift and prompt time-keeping.

The facilities in the EMC include a WRVS that provides tea, coffee, sandwiches and a variety of tasty treats for patients and staff! With our newly refurbished children's waiting area, parents are able to relax while waiting for their appointments allowing children to play in a comfortable and safe environment.

A pay and display car park is available for all patients through our dedicated car park with several disabled spaced provided.