Our team includes:

Orthotists are allied health professionals who assess and treat the physical and functional limitations of people resulting from illnesses and disabilities. Orthotists are trained to prescribe, design, fit and monitor orthoses.

Technicians and Technical Assistants manufacture the orthoses from casts, measurements, materials and components at the orthotics service. They may also provide technical advice and assistance during your visit.

Administration staff will help you make appointments, inform you about what will happen at the Orthotics Department and answer any questions you may have.

We work in partnership with your medical specialist, physiotherapist and other medical professionals at the Sydney Children’s Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services.

If you are new to our service, you will need a referral to attend our Orthotics Department. A referral from a medical specialist is preferred. Your local general practitioner (GP) can refer you to a suitable specialist if you don’t have one already.  Alternatively your local doctor may refer to us directly although there is likely to be a cost to you.

Please ask your Doctor to fax the referral to our department on 9382 8178. We will then contact you to make an appointment.

If you need an adjustment or replacement of a device we have already provided then you don’t need a new referral.  If your medical condition has changed and you need a different device then a new referral is required.

Call the Orthotics Department on 9382 8184 to make, cancel or change an appointment.

How often do I need to attend the Orthotics Department?

You will need to attend for an initial assessment and any subsequent visits associated with the provision of the orthoses.  This may include a cast, scan or measurement followed by fitting and adjustment.  Your Orthotist may ask you to return for review, adjustment and maintenance of the orthoses.  You should make an appointment if you are having any problems or concerns with your orthoses.

You will not be charged for your orthoses if you are eligible for Medicare and have a current referral (no older than 12 months) from one of the following:

• Prince of Wales Hospital Inpatient or Outpatient services.
• POWH Community Health Team.
• Sydney Children’s Hospital.

You may be charged for your orthoses if one of the following applies:

• You are Medicare ineligible (eg non-resident of Australia who is not covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement).
• You are referred directly to Orthotics by a General Practitioner, a Medical Specialist from private rooms or from other hospitals.
• You are covered by Motor Vehicle Accident, Work Cover or other third party insurance. In this case you could claim the cost back from these organisations.

Some private health funds may offer a partial refund for orthoses.

If I am charged for my orthoses, how much would it cost?

It depends on the type and complexity of the orthoses.  Also we have a fee structure depending on your circumstance. Speak with your orthotist or contact the Orthotics Department for more information.

People sometimes associate the word orthotics with feet.  We make many kinds of orthoses to fit the head, neck, arms, legs and spine. It depends on your needs.

Waiting times to see an orthotist can vary from a few days to several weeks depending on the clinical urgency and availability of bookings. 

Generally speaking simple adjustments and the provision of off the shelf orthoses can be done on the day of the appointment.

Complex adjustments or follow up fittings require a return visit.

Time associated with the manufacture of orthoses, the ordering in of prefabricated orthoses or parts can vary. Ask your orthotist for an estimated week of completion.

Please bring:

• Current Medicare card or Veteran Affairs card
• Any Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card.
• Insurer details (eg workers compensation, public liability or third party).
• If you are not eligible for Medicare you may need to pay for the some of the services you use.
• Your Private Health Fund Membership card if you are currently insured with a private health fund.
• Recent x-rays or medical images and their reports, if applicable.
• Current orthoses or supports you may have.
• Suitable clothing as the orthotists may need to examine your body movement or measure part of your body.  If you are being seen for:
  • Foot/ankle: bring your everyday footwear, sports or walking shoes.
  • Legs: bring shorts or clothing that can be brought above the knees.
  • Back, spine or arms: singlet / under garments.

Call us if you have any questions or concerns about what to bring.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak, and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the Orthotics Department on (02) 9382 8184.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Our team includes:

Orthotists are allied health professionals who assess and treat the physical and functional limitations of people resulting from illnesses and disabilities. Orthotists are trained to prescribe, design, fit and monitor orthoses.

Technicians and Technical Assistants manufacture the orthoses from casts, measurements, materials and components at the orthotics service. They may also provide technical advice and assistance during your visit.

Administration staff will help you make appointments, inform you about what will happen at the Orthotics Department and answer any questions you may have.

We work in partnership with your medical specialist, physiotherapist and other medical professionals at the Sydney Children’s Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services.

If you are new to our service, you will need a referral to attend our Orthotics Department. A referral from a medical specialist is preferred. Your local general practitioner (GP) can refer you to a suitable specialist if you don’t have one already.  Alternatively your local doctor may refer to us directly although there is likely to be a cost to you.

Please ask your Doctor to fax the referral to our department on 9382 8178. We will then contact you to make an appointment.

If you need an adjustment or replacement of a device we have already provided then you don’t need a new referral.  If your medical condition has changed and you need a different device then a new referral is required.

Call the Orthotics Department on 9382 8184 to make, cancel or change an appointment.

How often do I need to attend the Orthotics Department?

You will need to attend for an initial assessment and any subsequent visits associated with the provision of the orthoses.  This may include a cast, scan or measurement followed by fitting and adjustment.  Your Orthotist may ask you to return for review, adjustment and maintenance of the orthoses.  You should make an appointment if you are having any problems or concerns with your orthoses.

You will not be charged for your orthoses if you are eligible for Medicare and have a current referral (no older than 12 months) from one of the following:

• Prince of Wales Hospital Inpatient or Outpatient services.
• POWH Community Health Team.
• Sydney Children’s Hospital.

You may be charged for your orthoses if one of the following applies:

• You are Medicare ineligible (eg non-resident of Australia who is not covered by a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement).
• You are referred directly to Orthotics by a General Practitioner, a Medical Specialist from private rooms or from other hospitals.
• You are covered by Motor Vehicle Accident, Work Cover or other third party insurance. In this case you could claim the cost back from these organisations.

Some private health funds may offer a partial refund for orthoses.

If I am charged for my orthoses, how much would it cost?

It depends on the type and complexity of the orthoses.  Also we have a fee structure depending on your circumstance. Speak with your orthotist or contact the Orthotics Department for more information.

People sometimes associate the word orthotics with feet.  We make many kinds of orthoses to fit the head, neck, arms, legs and spine. It depends on your needs.

Waiting times to see an orthotist can vary from a few days to several weeks depending on the clinical urgency and availability of bookings. 

Generally speaking simple adjustments and the provision of off the shelf orthoses can be done on the day of the appointment.

Complex adjustments or follow up fittings require a return visit.

Time associated with the manufacture of orthoses, the ordering in of prefabricated orthoses or parts can vary. Ask your orthotist for an estimated week of completion.

Please bring:

• Current Medicare card or Veteran Affairs card
• Any Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card.
• Insurer details (eg workers compensation, public liability or third party).
• If you are not eligible for Medicare you may need to pay for the some of the services you use.
• Your Private Health Fund Membership card if you are currently insured with a private health fund.
• Recent x-rays or medical images and their reports, if applicable.
• Current orthoses or supports you may have.
• Suitable clothing as the orthotists may need to examine your body movement or measure part of your body.  If you are being seen for:
  • Foot/ankle: bring your everyday footwear, sports or walking shoes.
  • Legs: bring shorts or clothing that can be brought above the knees.
  • Back, spine or arms: singlet / under garments.

Call us if you have any questions or concerns about what to bring.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us by telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak, and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the Orthotics Department on (02) 9382 8184.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Our team includes physiotherapists, allied health assistants and student physiotherapists who will be responsible for your assessment and physiotherapy treatment plan.

Our administration officer can help you with bookings, referral management and telephone enquiries.

Your physiotherapist will work in partnership with your referring doctor. They will contact your doctor if they have any questions. When you finish your treatment plan your GP will receive a discharge summary letter outlining your initial assessment, the treatment plan you completed and the outcomes achieved.

To use this service you need a referral letter from your local general practitioner (GP), hospital specialist or physiotherapist. The referral letter should include your personal details, contact details, the reason for referral, any relevant test results and any other information of significance (such as medical history, medicines). 

If you need to cancel an appointment please telephone 02 9382 2850.

Prince of Wales Hospital Hydrotherapy is using electronic referrals. eReferrals are electronic SmartForms that can be sent directly to the hospital facility from your practice system or the MyHealthLink Portal. An eReferral is an electronic document that can be sent securely, replacing other methods such as faxing or posting paper referrals. The above solutions enable referrals to be sent, received, and managed electronically. Referrers and patients will also receive notification of referral outcomes.

If your patient is eligible for treatment, please read this information on how to submit your referral.

Waiting times depend on your clinical urgency. We attempt to give all urgent cases an appointment at the time the referral is received but it may take up to a week for an appointment to be made. Non urgent cases are generally placed on a waiting list. This period can vary from within a couple of weeks to six months.

Our department is very busy and we try to keep to our appointment times as closely as possible. It is rare that you will have to wait for more than 10 minutes for your appointment. We advise that to minimise stress you arrive for your appointment 10 minutes early. If you are more than 15 minutes late you will lose your appointment.

Please bring to your appointment:

• Any test/scan results that you have had recently
• Shorts if it is your legs where treatment is needed
• A list of any medicines that you are taking
• Swimsuit or shorts
• Towel
• Footwear for around the pool edge/shower/change room (optional)

All patients and staff must shower immediately before entering the pool. At the end of your session we suggest you rinse yourself under the shower but the use of shower gel, soaps and shampoos are not permitted in the showers.

If you are sick on the day of your appointment please contact us and let us know and please stay at home.

At your initial appointment we will talk with you to find out more about your medical history, and your needs and concerns. We will run through a medical checklist to make sure you are safe to use our hydrotherapy pool. We will then conduct a physical examination. You may need to undress for this (if so, a hospital gown will be provided by your therapist). We will then discuss with you what type of physiotherapy would be benefit you. We will offer you a number of appointments to attend the hydrotherapy pool. Your physiotherapist will be present at these appointments. They will explain how to do each exercise that has been included in your physiotherapy plan. Your physiotherapist will also be providing support to other people at the same time. Once you have completed the initial set of appointments your physiotherapist will discuss with you your options moving forward.  

If you have found the pool based exercises beneficial and you are keen to continue with the exercises we do offer self managed sessions in the pool. You will need to be independent with your exercise program as no physiotherapist will be present to help you.

There is a cost to attend, it is $100 for 10 sessions or $80 for 10 sessions if you have a concession healthcare card (eg senior/pension card). Talk to your treating therapist as you near the end of your physiotherapy treatment to see if they recommend that you attend.

Once you have completed your individual treatment program, there is a 12-month wait to be eligible to access a new individual treatment program. 

Can I receive ongoing, indefinite treatment for my problem?

Your physiotherapy treatment plan will be based on current research (best practice). Many conditions are chronic and as such require ongoing management. In these instances during your treatment plan we will identify what you can do for yourself after your treatment program finishes.

Can I chose the day and time I attend the department for my appointments?

We will try to find appointment times that work best for you. Our hours of operation however are 8.00am-4.30pm Monday to Friday. Please be mindful that we only have access to the pool at certain times during the week. We do not offer weekend treatment.

How often will I need to attend the Hydrotherapy Pool?

This will vary depending upon your needs and availability to attend appointments. We generally offer up to 10 individual treatment sessions. Ideally you would attend twice per week for 5 weeks. This can vary. If you have previously attended our service for the same chronic condition you will only be entitled to attend up to 5 review sessions.

How long do the treatment sessions take?

Your initial session will take 30 minutes. Follow up pool sessions generally last for 40 – 45 minutes.

What is the temperature of the water?

The pool temperature is kept between 33 and 34 degrees celsius. It is important to keep drinking water or other fluids. 

Prince of Wales Hospital is a teaching hospital and you may be seen and treated by a physiotherapy student. If this is the case the student will be co-managing your case with a qualified, graduate physiotherapist. Students never undertake any decisions without first talking with their supervising therapist. You do have the right to not be treated by a student. In this case your treatment course will be conducted by the next available physiotherapist. This may not always be immediately possible and may result in a delay to starting your treatment plan.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Our team includes physiotherapists, allied health assistants and student physiotherapists who will be responsible for your assessment and physiotherapy treatment plan.

Our administration officer can help you with bookings, referral management and telephone enquiries.

Your physiotherapist will work in partnership with your referring doctor. They will contact your doctor if they have any questions. When you finish your treatment plan your GP will receive a discharge summary letter outlining your initial assessment, the treatment plan you completed and the outcomes achieved.

To use this service you need a referral letter from your local general practitioner (GP), hospital specialist or physiotherapist. The referral letter should include your personal details, contact details, the reason for referral, any relevant test results and any other information of significance (such as medical history, medicines). 

If you need to cancel an appointment please telephone 02 9382 2850.

Prince of Wales Hospital Hydrotherapy is using electronic referrals. eReferrals are electronic SmartForms that can be sent directly to the hospital facility from your practice system or the MyHealthLink Portal. An eReferral is an electronic document that can be sent securely, replacing other methods such as faxing or posting paper referrals. The above solutions enable referrals to be sent, received, and managed electronically. Referrers and patients will also receive notification of referral outcomes.

If your patient is eligible for treatment, please read this information on how to submit your referral.

Waiting times depend on your clinical urgency. We attempt to give all urgent cases an appointment at the time the referral is received but it may take up to a week for an appointment to be made. Non urgent cases are generally placed on a waiting list. This period can vary from within a couple of weeks to six months.

Our department is very busy and we try to keep to our appointment times as closely as possible. It is rare that you will have to wait for more than 10 minutes for your appointment. We advise that to minimise stress you arrive for your appointment 10 minutes early. If you are more than 15 minutes late you will lose your appointment.

Please bring to your appointment:

• Any test/scan results that you have had recently
• Shorts if it is your legs where treatment is needed
• A list of any medicines that you are taking
• Swimsuit or shorts
• Towel
• Footwear for around the pool edge/shower/change room (optional)

All patients and staff must shower immediately before entering the pool. At the end of your session we suggest you rinse yourself under the shower but the use of shower gel, soaps and shampoos are not permitted in the showers.

If you are sick on the day of your appointment please contact us and let us know and please stay at home.

At your initial appointment we will talk with you to find out more about your medical history, and your needs and concerns. We will run through a medical checklist to make sure you are safe to use our hydrotherapy pool. We will then conduct a physical examination. You may need to undress for this (if so, a hospital gown will be provided by your therapist). We will then discuss with you what type of physiotherapy would be benefit you. We will offer you a number of appointments to attend the hydrotherapy pool. Your physiotherapist will be present at these appointments. They will explain how to do each exercise that has been included in your physiotherapy plan. Your physiotherapist will also be providing support to other people at the same time. Once you have completed the initial set of appointments your physiotherapist will discuss with you your options moving forward.  

If you have found the pool based exercises beneficial and you are keen to continue with the exercises we do offer self managed sessions in the pool. You will need to be independent with your exercise program as no physiotherapist will be present to help you.

There is a cost to attend, it is $100 for 10 sessions or $80 for 10 sessions if you have a concession healthcare card (eg senior/pension card). Talk to your treating therapist as you near the end of your physiotherapy treatment to see if they recommend that you attend.

Once you have completed your individual treatment program, there is a 12-month wait to be eligible to access a new individual treatment program. 

Can I receive ongoing, indefinite treatment for my problem?

Your physiotherapy treatment plan will be based on current research (best practice). Many conditions are chronic and as such require ongoing management. In these instances during your treatment plan we will identify what you can do for yourself after your treatment program finishes.

Can I chose the day and time I attend the department for my appointments?

We will try to find appointment times that work best for you. Our hours of operation however are 8.00am-4.30pm Monday to Friday. Please be mindful that we only have access to the pool at certain times during the week. We do not offer weekend treatment.

How often will I need to attend the Hydrotherapy Pool?

This will vary depending upon your needs and availability to attend appointments. We generally offer up to 10 individual treatment sessions. Ideally you would attend twice per week for 5 weeks. This can vary. If you have previously attended our service for the same chronic condition you will only be entitled to attend up to 5 review sessions.

How long do the treatment sessions take?

Your initial session will take 30 minutes. Follow up pool sessions generally last for 40 – 45 minutes.

What is the temperature of the water?

The pool temperature is kept between 33 and 34 degrees celsius. It is important to keep drinking water or other fluids. 

Prince of Wales Hospital is a teaching hospital and you may be seen and treated by a physiotherapy student. If this is the case the student will be co-managing your case with a qualified, graduate physiotherapist. Students never undertake any decisions without first talking with their supervising therapist. You do have the right to not be treated by a student. In this case your treatment course will be conducted by the next available physiotherapist. This may not always be immediately possible and may result in a delay to starting your treatment plan.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Our Acute Aged Care team includes doctors, nurses and allied health staff who work together with you, your family and carer to meet your physical, mental and emotional needs while you are in hospital, and to begin planning for when you leave hospital.

ReVive program volunteers

Our volunteers receive 12 hours of training to provide support, companionship and practical assistance to patients, particularly those who are feeling confused, are at risk of falling or are losing some abilities as a result of being in hospital. The volunteers spend time with patients, listening to their stories, talking about things of interest, giving hand massages, encouraging them to eat and drink or helping them walk safely around the ward.

If you think your relative might benefit from a visit from a ReViVe volunteer please contact the Aged Care Volunteer Coordinator on 9382 2014. 

The aged care wards offer nursing care to patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A doctor is always on call. Other members of the team are available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Our nurses will try to connect you with other members of staff at your request but, depending on the time and day and the seriousness of the situation, you may have to wait, particularly when it is after hours or on the weekend. We know this can be frustrating, especially if you are worried about your relative, and will do what we can to answer questions in the meantime.

We value your opinions and know that clear communication is essential for your care. If you do not understand anything please ask us:

• Why are you doing that?
• What does that word mean?
• What does that procedure involve?
• What alternatives are there?
• What side-effects might there be?
• How will this help?

When it comes to sharing information with family and friends, it is helpful if one person takes responsibility for asking staff for updates and passing this information on to the others.

What happens if my relative is transferred to another ward in the hospital?

Sometimes, due to bed availability or specific care needs of a patient, patients may be admitted to other wards around the hospital. These patients will still be cared for by the aged care team and will be seen on a regular basis.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Handbook for family and friends of patients admitted to Aged Care Wards

www.myagedcare.gov.au is an Australian Government website and national phone line (1800 200 422) with up-to-date information about Australia’s aged care system and services. It assists people to navigate the aged care system and provides referrals for assessment and service provision.

The Aged Care Information Line provides information on home and community care and financial benefits. Telephone 1800 500 853 TTY 1800 555 677

Our Acute Aged Care team includes doctors, nurses and allied health staff who work together with you, your family and carer to meet your physical, mental and emotional needs while you are in hospital, and to begin planning for when you leave hospital.

ReVive program volunteers

Our volunteers receive 12 hours of training to provide support, companionship and practical assistance to patients, particularly those who are feeling confused, are at risk of falling or are losing some abilities as a result of being in hospital. The volunteers spend time with patients, listening to their stories, talking about things of interest, giving hand massages, encouraging them to eat and drink or helping them walk safely around the ward.

If you think your relative might benefit from a visit from a ReViVe volunteer please contact the Aged Care Volunteer Coordinator on 9382 2014. 

The aged care wards offer nursing care to patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A doctor is always on call. Other members of the team are available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Our nurses will try to connect you with other members of staff at your request but, depending on the time and day and the seriousness of the situation, you may have to wait, particularly when it is after hours or on the weekend. We know this can be frustrating, especially if you are worried about your relative, and will do what we can to answer questions in the meantime.

We value your opinions and know that clear communication is essential for your care. If you do not understand anything please ask us:

• Why are you doing that?
• What does that word mean?
• What does that procedure involve?
• What alternatives are there?
• What side-effects might there be?
• How will this help?

When it comes to sharing information with family and friends, it is helpful if one person takes responsibility for asking staff for updates and passing this information on to the others.

What happens if my relative is transferred to another ward in the hospital?

Sometimes, due to bed availability or specific care needs of a patient, patients may be admitted to other wards around the hospital. These patients will still be cared for by the aged care team and will be seen on a regular basis.

We are a teaching hospital and you may be asked to be involved in research or for a student to be present at your appointment. You have a right to say no. If you do so, this will not impact in any way on the services we will provide.

Please let us know if you need an interpreter. You can contact us telephoning the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator what language you speak and then ask the interpreter to set up a telephone conversation between you, an interpreter, and the healthcare professional you want to speak with.

Handbook for family and friends of patients admitted to Aged Care Wards

www.myagedcare.gov.au is an Australian Government website and national phone line (1800 200 422) with up-to-date information about Australia’s aged care system and services. It assists people to navigate the aged care system and provides referrals for assessment and service provision.

The Aged Care Information Line provides information on home and community care and financial benefits. Telephone 1800 500 853 TTY 1800 555 677