Head and neck prosthetics patient information

Find out what to expect when you come to hospital for your appointment with our head and neck prosthetics service.

Before your appointment

We see all our patients with 12 weeks of GP referral. You are welcome to bring a relative, close friend or carer with you to your appointment.

Remember to check your appointment letter for anything specific you have been asked to take with you. In addition, it would be helpful if you could bring the following:

• Your full address and telephone number(s)
• Your appointment card and appointment letter
• Your GP’s name and address
• Money to pay for any prescriptions, or an exemption card
• A list of questions you may want to ask your consultant
• A list of your current medication

Any gowns or aprons that are required during impression stage or outpatient appointment will be supplied.

During your appointment

When you arrive please report to the eye and oral reception desk on first floor, south wing.

Take a seat as advised by reception staff and wait to be called into the head and neck maxillofacial prosthetics laboratory clinic area.

We try to see patients at the time given, but on rare occasions due to complexity of some patients we may overrun, in which case you will be informed of how long you should expect to wait.

Appointment times can vary depending on your requirements. We will advise you of the approximate length of your appointment in your appointment letter.

Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so medical students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.

Most patients will usually have a series of outpatient appointments in the laboratory clinic area, where impressions will be taken to enable us to start constructing your bespoke prosthesis. Further appointments will be given for mock-up try-ons, adjustments, colour matches, fitting and reviews.

We strive to create a relaxed and informal atmosphere, to keep you at ease, and allow for fabrication of a natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing prosthesis.

After your appointment

Your prosthesis or splint may require alteration or replacement from time to time, either because of wear and tear or changing tissue dimensions.

You may also need to attend the laboratory for maintenance of your supplied prosthesis, for example an indwelling artificial eye will need protein debris removal and wax replenishment on an annual basis and replacement every five to seven years.

Due to wear and tear of the materials or ongoing tissue changes, a silicone prosthesis that is attached with skin adhesive or implants may need to be replaced every 12 to 18 months. You will be advised accordingly during your follow-up appointment.

For maintenance of prostheses

For maintenance of an existing prosthesis that has been provided by the Trust you may telephone for an outpatient appointment for a review of your current prosthesis. This may lead to you contacting your GP for a letter of referral for replacement prosthesis.