Physiotherapy (children)
From Ormskirk hospital, we work closely with paediatricians, specialist nursing staff, dietitians and health professionals to provide safe, effective and quality physiotherapy care.
A paediatric physiotherapist has normal physiotherapy training but then specialises in the knowledge of movement, development and conditions that can affect the growing child. All our physiotherapy staff are registered with the Health Care Professions Council.
- Children's unit
We provide in-patient physiotherapy assessments and treatments for children aged 0-16 years admitted to the children’s ward, assessment bay or high dependency unit. This might include children requiring respiratory physiotherapy for example, those with bronchiectasis, chest infections or pneumonia.
The children’s inpatient physiotherapy services run Monday to Friday 08.30am – 4.30pm. Infants and children requiring inpatient physiotherapy can be referred directly to the children’s physiotherapy service by any ward staff during normal working hours.
Orthopedic physiotherapy may be required by children who have sustained fractures or broken bones and whom require assistance with mobility or equipment to help promote their function and independence.
Musculoskeletal physiotherapy may also be provided which involves the treatment of problems and pain involving muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and soft tissues.
Our physiotherapy service also offers assessment to children attending the emergency department who require acute physiotherapy advice on musculoskeletal or orthopedic problems.
Specialist equipment such as crutches and walking aids can be provided as needed to help support with injuries and help promote recovery.
- Neonatal and maternity
We provide physiotherapy input to new-born infants on the maternity unit who require our services. Typically babies are referred as needed following their NIPE (newborn examination) which is completed by pediatricians or senior midwives who have completed specialist training.
Infants may be referred to physiotherapy for assessment and treatment of orthopedic conditions, for example Talipes and Erbs Palsy.
Infants admitted to the neonatal unit may also sometimes require physiotherapy input during their stay.
Premature babies who arrive early may be assessed by the specialist paediatric physiotherapist to provide advice and support to staff and parents on how best to care for baby in the neonatal environment. This may include advising on positions and equipment to help your baby stay comfortable and optimize their surroundings to facilitate growth and development.
- Cystic fibrosis service
The hospital provides care for local children aged 0-17 years with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF).
The team is made up of a paediatric consultant, specialist nurse, specialist physiotherapist and dietician who work very closely together to provide quality, evidence based and patient centered care.
The Ormskirk team follows a shared care pathway with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital which means care is provided locally with access to specialist services as required.
Children are reviewed regularly in specialist multi-disciplinary clinics in the children’s out-patient department.
Children are reviewed by physiotherapy 7 days a week during any admissions to the children’s ward for in-patient care.
Our physiotherapy team also offers an outreach service to help support children receiving more intensive treatment such as intravenous antibiotics in the community.
- Outpatient physiotherapy
Paediatric out-patient physiotherapy services are typically provided by local physiotherapy teams outside of the hospital.
For any children aged between 0-12 living in West Lancashire are referred to Child Learning and Development Centre.
For any children aged between 12-16 years in West Lancashire who are referred by a consultant for physiotherapy we are able to offer treatment at Ormskirk & District General Hospital.
North and South Sefton patients ages 0-16 get triaged through seftoncommunity.physio-ot@nhs.net
The children’s physiotherapy services run Monday to Friday 08.30am – 4.30pm.
Infants and children requiring physiotherapy can be referred directly to the children’s physiotherapy service by any ward staff during normal working hours.
- Service Leads
Jane Farrimond - Service Lead, Clinical Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist
- Contacts
Inpatient physiotherapy: 01704 703744
MSK service contact: 01704 704896 or soh-tr.paedsphysio@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk