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 WHAT DO WE WANT, AND WHEN DO WE WANT IT ?

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Easily Recognisable and Consistent Pathways  -  All patients should be made aware of the pathways available through their trust or service, pathways agreed by services and contractors alike.

 

Patient Choice - If a contractor fails to get your footwear right, the patient should have the choice to go back to the original contractor or to a new contractor. It's called patient choice, it's what the NHS Constitution promises.

 

The Voucher Scheme - As with the NHS wheelchair services, you should be offered a  voucher equivilant to the prescription, which the patient should be able to use the shoemaker of their choice.

 

Delay Supplier Payment - Manufacturers should only be paid when the footwear or service is signed off by both the patient and the orthotist.

 

Hub and Spoke - As with prosthetics (artificial limbs) and wheelchairs, patients with complex footwear requirements should be able to visit their nearest multi-disciplinary centre where the technicians involved in manufacture are in attendance.

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Of course we would like these things now, but the wheels of government and NHS commissioning turn slowly.

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