Physical needs, including aids and equipment 

This section explores a range of therapies, aids and equipment available locally to support children, young people and their families, including: 

 

• Occupational therapy

• Physiotherapy

• Equipment and loan services

• Orthotics

• Wheelchairs

 

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Occupational therapy
Specialist occupational therapists across the county can support children and young people who may experience difficulties carrying out and participating in activities of everyday life. This can include support with self-care, school work or play. 

Northumbria Healthcare’s occupational therapists work with children and young people from birth to 18 years. The service includes assessing health, education and social care needs to maximise independence and learning both at home and school.

Support available includes strategies to develop abilities with tasks such as dressing, feeding, bathing, toileting, continence and fine motor skills. 

 

The team are also well positioned to advise and recommend equipment or adaptations to promote safety and independence in the home and at school, to meet a specific child or young person’s needs. 

Click here to find out more about what to expect when accessing occupational therapy services and next steps.
 

 

​Physiotherapy

Local physiotherapy services from Northumbria Healthcare can support children and young people aged from birth to 19 years who have developmental, neurological, neuromuscular or musculoskeletal difficulties.
 

Help provided covers:

• recovery from sports injuries, fractures, head injuries

• rehabilitation after surgery

• painful joints

• physical difficulties caused by long term health conditions, e.g. genetic conditions, cerebral palsy, spina bifida

• delayed acquisition of physical skills, e.g. sitting, walking
   

For more information about how to access local physiotherapy services, click here.
 

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• Equipment and loan services
  There is support available if you have social care or health needs that require equipment to help you to live independently at home. The Joint Equipment Loans Service (JELS) can provide equipment, such as:

  • beds and chairs

  • bathing and showering equipment

  • hoisting and moving and handling equipment

  • walking aids, grab rails and wheelchairs

  • equipment for visual and hearing impairments

  • equipment specifically designed for children

 

The equipment provided can help protect you from accidents, assist you with carrying out day-to-day tasks, and make it easier for people to care for you. Providing the right equipment can also help you to move back home after being in hospital. 

 

For more information on the equipment and loan services click here.
 

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Orthotics

An orthosis is a medical device that is used to prevent or correct deformity and/or improve function. Your physiotherapist has referred you for an assessment to see if an orthosis may help with your rehabilitation.

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Orthoses can include:

• Calipers

• Splints

• Insoles

• Knee supports

• Footwear/adaptations to footwear

 

You will need a referral to access an Orthotics Clinic - you can find out more information about the Orthotics Clinic at Walkergate here.
 

 

Wheelchairs
Wheelchair services in Northumberland are community-based services, within which teams provide equipment to support wheelchair users, their families and carers. 

By providing the right wheelchair and associated equipment, this service aims to improve the quality of life and independence of children and young people aged 36 months and over.

Click here to find out more about referrals for a wheelchair, screenings and support.