Our contract with the current provider was due to end late 2018. We were required to undertake a procurement process to evaluate available options. Orthotic Services Waikato was chosen because of their service offering including a holistic approach to patient care and the latest technology that our patients would ultimately benefit from.
Orthotic Services
Orthotic Services
Waikato DHB contracts a provider for its Orthotic services. The current (new) provider is Orthotic Services Waikato. The provider is responsible for the assessment for and fitting of orthotic products in liaison with the referring health professional.
Orthotic Services Waikato provides orthotic products generally to assist or restrict movement to aid rehabilitation or correct the shape or function of the body and they range from everything from postural supports, compression aids and shoes to collars, braces and cranial helmets. These are different from prosthetics (artificial limbs) and the DHB has a different contract for these devices.
Orthotic Services Waikato is a new provider of orthotic services to the DHB and is a collaborative entity formed between the New Zealand Artificial Limb Service and Orthotic House to provide modern comprehensives services.
The Waikato DHB will be transitioning orthotic service users (patients) to the new provider commencing in mid-September 2018 as part of its Orthotics Transition project.
Orthotic Service Waikato offers an on-line referral process for delegated prescribers.
Locations
- New Zealand Artificial Limb Service, 222 Pembroke Street, Hamilton
- Orthotic House, 56 Pembroke Street, Hamilton
Contact
Phone: 0508 679 245
Fax: 07 838 3271
Email: enquiries@osw.co.nz
www.osw.co.nz
We will be taking a phased transition approach commencing mid-September and should be completed by the end of October 2018.
We will endeavour to ensure continuity of your care during the transition process. If you have a scheduled appointment or are awaiting delivery and fitting of an orthotic device simply continue with that scheduled appointment. The current provider will complete your treatment before transferring you to the new provider if required.
Simply continue with your current appointment. The current provider will complete your treatment as arranged before transferring you to the new provider if required.
Our services and clinics will transition and continue as per usual in all our Waikato DHB locations, including our rural communities. All patients regardless of location will be kept up to date with information relevant to their locality and appointments.
The current provider will no longer have a contract to provide DHB-funded orthotic services, so you would have to fund those services yourself should you wish to remain with the current provider.
If required your clinical records will be securely transferred to Orthotic Services Waikato and will continue to be updated during your care.
No. If you are eligible for DHB-funded services then your orthotic services will remain publicly funded. The access criteria for referral and acceptance; and allocation protocols will not change. Co-payments will continue to be charged for footwear repairs and modifications. Items suitable for your needs that are available in retail outlets will not be DHB-funded.
Each client will be reviewed by Orthotic Services Waikato at their first appointment with the new provider as per good clinical practice. Any recommendation to change current service prescription will be discussed with you and the referring clinician.
Orthotic Services Waikato is a collaboration of two providers - Orthotic House and the NZ Artificial Limb Service (NZALS). They will jointly be responsible for assessing your orthotic needs and fabricating / fitting orthotic products as needed in liaison with the Waikato DHB prescribers. Between them, the new providers have over 40 year’s clinical orthotic experience with highly trained staff. Waikato DHB referred clients will have access to the latest technology including 3D scanners and printers to provide an increased range of service options.
- Diabetics and vascular clients – NZALS, 222 Pembroke Street, Hamilton
- Children, rheumatic disorders, clients with a life-long need for disability assistance, clients with non-vascular-related post-surgical orthotic needs – Orthotic House, 56 Pembroke Street, Hamilton.
- All inpatient and regional clinics will continue as usual, with the confirmed locations on the clinic appointment letter that you will receive.
To provide the breadth of services that our community needs. NZALS has an interest in prevention of amputation and associated skills in the field. NZALS has a team of clinicians who are trained overseas as specialists in both orthotics and prosthetics. Orthotic House has over 40 years of experience providing orthotic services, with extensive experience in the Waikato region. NZALS has been adapting technology across the country that will be beneficial for orthotic patients in the Waikato. Together we can do more for patients.
Your assessment will indicate which options are best for you and these will be discussed with you. Our new contract will ensure there is a range of orthotists to provide services based on your specific needs. Our collaboration offers some flexibility in delivering orthotist and related services across the DHB region.
If your question is about the transition please contact us via email on orthoticstransition@waikatodhb.health.nz