Our Services

Description

Orthotics​​ and Prosthetics is the science of the evaluation, prescription, fabrication and custom fitting of orthopaedic braces and artificial limbs. Prosthetists specialise in designing and making artificial limbs (prostheses), while orthotists specialise in designing and fitting orthopaedic braces (orthoses). These professions are similar and an individual may be both an orthotist and a prosthetist.

Lower limb prostheses help amputees to stand upright and walk; some are athletes and even run marathons. Upper limb prostheses improve cosmesis and help amputees carry out activities of daily living independently. Orthoses help people with damaged or weak limbs stand and walk, and carry out activities of daily living independently; they also help to correct deformities and protect body segments.

Procedure

The Person who fulfils the eligibility criteria to benefit from this service can be referred by a Consultant within the Department of Health or by his/her family doctor.

Eligibility

All Maltese citizens or foreigners holding a residency permit can be referred to benefit from Orthotics and/or Prosthetics services. For the provision of insoles and footwear, the referred person must be in possession of the Schedule ll (Pink) form, or suffer from peripheral neuropathy or severe bone deformity.

Required Documents

ID card, and The Pink Form (Schedule ll) if the referral is made for footwear or insoles

Back Office Process

The Orthotics and Prosthetics Unit (OPU) receives referrals for this service. Referrals received are then triaged and distributed amongst the clinicians. Priority is given to emergency cases.

Appointments are then given to patients and each patient is notified by letter or telephone.

All patient details are kept on a computer system and the number of times an appointment is given to an individual is also recorded.

The Clinicians also document the details of each consultation and kept in the patients’ records. At the first consultation a patient is assessed, prescribed the most appropriate device and all necessary measurements are taken.

The device is then ordered and/or manufactured locally or abroad. Another appointment is then given to the patient for the fitting and/or delivery of the device. Follow up, post-delivery appointments are given according to each patient’s individual need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is an orthoses or orthotic device?

Answer: A device that supports any part of the body and is worn around a body part, e.g. surgical footwear, spinal brace, leg calliper, insole.

Question: What is a prosthesis?

Answer: A device that replaces a missing part of the body, e.g. an artificial leg or arm.

Question: Where is OPU?

Answer: Currently OPU is situated in the Ex-Hyperbaric unit at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Question: Do I need a referral every time I need to have my device checked or if I have a problem?

Answer: No. An individual who has a problem with the device or needs it checked can simply phone for an appointment.

How to Contact Us

You can contact us by:

  • Coming personally to our office
  • Contacting us via phone or fax
  • Writing to us

O​​ur Office

Address

Orthotics & Prosthetics Unit
Rehabilitation Hospital Karin Grech
G’Mangia Hill
Pieta PTA 1312

Telephone: 2344 1702​

Opening hours

We are open during the following hours:

  • Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

When you visit our Office we will:

  • Be quick, courteous and helpful
  • Welcome you in a clean and friendly environment

When you phone us you can expect us to:

  • Answer promptly
  • Identify ourselves