A& E Treatment

You have sustained an injury or fracture which can probably be treated without an operation. This has been immobilised in A&E by the appropriate splint, plaster cast or sling.

What will happen after I leave hospital?

An orthopaedic consultant will review your x-rays. You will get a telephone call to confirm your treatment and answer any questions. Please ask for a sick note if required.

Fracture clinic review

In most cases you will be sent an appointment to be reviewed in fracture clinic after the appropriate time. At this clinic decisions will be made regarding further imaging, such as x-rays and follow up. You may be recalled to clinic the next day if the diagnosis is unclear or to be admitted for an operation if your injury proves to be more serious.

Shoulder and arm injuries

Depending on your injury you will have been treated in a plaster cast, wrist splint or brace to support them. You may also have been given a collar and cuff or sling. This will help provide pain relief and prevent swelling of the forearm and fingers. Try to keep the hand elevated as much as possible.

We recommend that you exercise your fingers. Be guided by the level of discomfort you feel. We suggest you remove your sling twice daily and gently bend and straighten your elbow which supporting the weight of your arm. These movement will help reduce hand swelling and prevent stiffness of the joints in your upper limb.

Lower limb and foot injuries

Depending on your injury you will have been treated in a plaster cast, removable boot, splint or brace. Use your crutches to keep the weight off the injured leg whilst mobilising. We recommend that you elevate the leg when sitting to prevent swelling. Keep exercising the muscle of your leg and moving your toes. This will reduce swelling and stiffness and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Sleeping

You may be more comfortable removing your sling and elevating the arm or leg on pillows. Often sleeping upright is easier soon after the injury.

Painkillers

We suggest Paracetamol; and Ibuprofen, if you can take them. Ask your pharmacist for advice. The pain usually greatly improves after the first two weeks but can take longer.

Should you have any worries or concerns following your discharge from hospital please contact

01228 814898 8am – 5pm Mon –Fri - Answer phone at other times.

More information at https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/services/virtual-fracture-clinic

 

 

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302