Orthopaedics
Version 2
This leaflet has been developed to supplement the information the Nurse practitioner or Doctor has already given you.
- Reviews take place in a triage clinic Monday to Friday. A team member will contact you by phone following the triage clinic to let you know the next step.
- Please be aware that staff may have up to 20 people to contact, so the call may not be until later in the day. Your x-rays will be checked within 72 hours of presenting to A&E.
- You must give us the correct contact details before you leave the department, or we will not be able to contact you.
- Please let our staff know if you do not have a telephone or email address, and we can arrange an alternative contact. Please also be aware that details cannot be left on an answering service. If you cannot answer your phone, you may get a message advising you to call the hospital.
Calls from the hospital are from a 0800 number - if you screen your calls, please ensure you answer on the appropriate day.
- Ongoing management may be a clinic appointment, a referral to another service such as physiotherapy, or advice on continuing management. Many uncomplicated fractures will get better without further treatment and do not need to be seen again unless there are problems.
- If you require a follow-up appointment, this will be arranged when you are contacted. If you do not need a clinic appointment, advice will be given about how long to use any splints you may have been given.
- If you have been discharged, you will receive a letter confirming any advice a few days after the triage clinic.
- You can self-certify for one week if you require time away from your work. The Emergency Department practitioner will provide you with a sick line if it is clear that you will be off for longer. Time scales for a return to work depending on the type of injury and work, so an exact figure cannot always be given initially. Your GP can sign you off for more extended periods if necessary.
- Our staff will give you the appropriate painkillers – usually sufficient for seven days. If you require a different prescription, this can be obtained from your GP in person or over the phone.
If you have any questions or concerns following your discharge from the hospital, please contact:
- Fracture clinic: 01592 643355 (Extension 20140) This is an answer phone – clinic staff will check daily in the morning. Please remember to leave your name and contact number in your message.
- NHS 24 on 111.
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.
You can also find health related information on many topics in an Easy Read format on nhsinform.scot.