Trauma and Orthopaedics

Orthopaedics is the surgical speciality concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves).

The team consists of 20 consultants working in 5 teams each specialising in a different area. These include upper limb, arthroplasty, foot and ankle, spines and paediatrics.

The Trauma and Orthopaedic outpatient department is situated in the Queens Building (Ground floor) next to A&E.

The department is open Mon-Fri (Saturday is temporary at times of high demand)  9am to 6pm, running elective, fracture and dressings clinics daily.

We aim to provide an efficient, high-quality and friendly service, keeping you informed about your treatment and involving you in any decisions that are made.

(Information leaflets are available for many of the conditions seen in the department and we encourage patients to ask questions in order to understand their treatment fully).

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please telephone 01823 342750 as soon as possible. This will allow us to change your appointment and offer your original slot to another patient.

Please remember to bring the following with you, if appropriate:

• your appointment letter or card
• a list of all medications that you are taking (including non-prescription)
• information to update your personal details, such as a change in your GP
• proof of entitlement to free prescriptions or travel costs
• a small amount of money if you wish to purchase a drink or a snack.

(Please note we do not take drop ins, all attendances are by appointment only).

We are also offering clinics at Minehead, Bridgwater and Dene Barton.

As we have limited waiting space, please restrict the number of relatives/carers who accompany you. There may be more than one clinic running at the same time. Patients are seen in order of appointment time, not time of arrival. One of the consultants will have overall responsibility for your care, but at your appointment you may be seen by another member of the medical team. Some clinics are run by specialist clinicians, nurses and physiotherapists.

The Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma is based on Level 6 (wards 6A and B, pre-operative assessment clinic, theatre admission lounge) and in Trauma and Orthopaedic Outpatients on level 3 close to the main entrance.

Orthopaedic clinics

Orthopaedic clinics are held mainly at Yeovil District Hospital, with some additional sessions at hospitals in Crewkerne, Sherborne, South Petherton and Wincanton. These clinics are usually for patients who have been referred by their GP with a musculo-skeletal problem that requires a specialist opinion or treatment.

The orthopaedic and trauma outpatient department is situated on Level 3 close to the main hospital entrance. We aim to provide an efficient, friendly and high-quality service, keeping you informed about your treatment and involving you in any decisions that are made. Information leaflets are available for many of the conditions seen in the department and we encourage patients to ask questions in order to understand their treatment fully.

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please telephone 01935 384319 as soon as possible. This will allow us to change your appointment and offer your original slot to another patient.