Behind every prosthetic or orthotic device is a person with their own needs, goals and aspirations.

Tomorrow, 5 November, is International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day (IPOD), and the theme, ‘PEOPLE – The heart of everything we do’, highlights the importance of keeping each person’s needs, choices and rights at the centre of care.

Prostheses and orthoses can support mobility and everyday function, reduce pain, protect joints and help prevent or manage deformities and secondary complications. For the people who use them, these devices can make a meaningful difference to independence, confidence and participation in daily life.

At Northern Health, our Orthotics Department provides orthoses, including splints, braces and supportive devices, to inpatients and outpatients with acute and chronic conditions.

Our university-qualified orthotists work alongside Allied Health Assistants to support patients through assessment, prescription, fabrication, fitting and education. Working with patients and their referring clinicians, the team provides prefabricated, customised or custom-made orthoses to meet each person’s clinical needs and goals.

For our clinicians, the profession brings together clinical knowledge, practical skills and creativity, with opportunities to make a lasting difference.

Kyle, Inpatient and NDIS Orthotist, enjoys combining study with hands-on work, applying theoretical knowledge to create practical devices that support patients.

For Niki, who works in orthotics and high-risk foot care, the most rewarding aspects are “being hands on, being creative with ways to offload chronic wounds and the satisfaction of healing wounds and helping someone save their leg”.

This IPOD, we recognise the people who use prosthetic and orthotic services and thank the professionals who support them. At Northern Health, our Orthotics team’s skill, creativity and commitment help people work towards the goals that matter most to them.

Pictured in featured image: The Orthotics team at the Northern Hospital Epping.